The mobile tech world never stands still. New phones featuring Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 flagship processor are just hitting the market. However, rumors about its successor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, are already circulating. The next-gen SoC is expected to officially debut in late 2026, so there’s still a long way to go. However, early reports about the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chip hint at major performance improvements, including support for the LPDDR6 RAM and UFS 5.0 memory and storage standards.
Artificial intelligence has taken over multiple segments of the tech industry. The smartphone segment is no exception. The heavy implementation of AI by companies like Google and Samsung makes this abundantly clear. Well, the “Elite Gen 6” chip will be better prepared than ever for these tasks.
LPDDR6 and UFS 5.0: The essential upgrades driving the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chip
To handle the increasingly complex AI workloads, future silicon requires massive boosts in data speed. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chip tackles this directly by reportedly introducing support for two critical, high-speed standards: LPDDR6 RAM and UFS 5.0 storage. These upgrades will dramatically increase how fast the chip can access and write data.
Perhaps the most compelling (and controversial) rumor centers on the manufacturing process. According to the source (tech tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo), the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chip will mark Qualcomm’s transition to the next-generation 2nm node from TSMC. Qualcomm reportedly plans to use TSMC’s more advanced N2P process. This next-level 2nm variant theoretically offers huge gains. It promises up to 18% better performance or a substantial 36% reduction in power consumption compared to the previous 3nm node.
However, it’s noteworthy that other voices in the industry express doubt about this timeline. They argue that due to TSMC’s expected production ramp-up, Qualcomm, along with other large customers, will only secure the initial N2 2nm process for a 2026 launch.
Skipping an entire lithography step seems ambitious. The simple shift to 2nm nodes guarantees major gains in both power efficiency and raw computational ability, regardless of the exact variant used.
Higher flagship costs
Regardless of the precise manufacturing details, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 looks set to be an exceptional leap forward. The combination of a 2nm design with the far faster LPDDR6 memory and UFS 5.0 storage promises significant improvements across the board. These technological advances, unfortunately, rarely come cheap. Analysts expect the Gen 6 to carry a higher price tag than its predecessor. This will likely translate into more expensive flagship devices for consumers.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is already making many headlines. Most conversations are focusing on the expected regional split between the Exynos 2600 and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processors. There is also discussion about the potential performance that the Exynos 2600 chip could offer. However, a newly spotted component suggests a nice upgrade might be hidden in a completely different part of the Samsung Galaxy S26: the Bluetooth and overall connectivity experience.
New leaks indicate the Galaxy S26 lineup could debut with a dedicated companion chip for connectivity. This approach mirrors steps taken by other industry giants toward greater hardware independence.
Samsung Galaxy S26’s Exynos S6568 chip may enable Bluetooth 6.1
A fresh listing on the Bluetooth qualified products website reveals a new Samsung chipset: the Exynos S6568. Described as a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi companion chip, the S6568 aims to work alongside a main Exynos SoC. This move suggests Samsung is ready to offload crucial connectivity duties from its flagship processor.
The core technical headline is its support for Bluetooth 6.1. Announced earlier this year, Bluetooth 6.1 is the newest standard, promising better security features and noticeably improved power efficiency compared to its predecessor. Currently, no mass-market devices use this latest specification. So, the Galaxy S26 could be one of the first.
The real advantage: Efficiency and thermals
Why would Samsung introduce a separate chip for features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth? The prevailing theory among tech analysts is that by dedicating the Exynos S6568 to these tasks, Samsung can significantly improve the performance and power efficiency of the main processor (the Exynos 2600).
This architectural approach allows the primary chip to focus solely on high-demand tasks. Think about running applications and processing complex graphics. The result should be a potential gain in battery life for the S26, faster performance during heavy use, and better thermal management. In the end, the phone should run cooler when you need it most.
The rumored S6568 certification coincides with other reports suggesting the Galaxy S26’s development schedule is changing. The launch, traditionally held in January, is now rumored to be pushed back to March 2026. This delay reportedly stems from an internal strategy reevaluation that involved shuffling the model lineup. The move would also imply the delay of the One UI 8.5 update to eligible Galaxy devices.
The primary battle between the Exynos 2600 and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 will still define the S26 experience in many regions. However, the integration of the Exynos S6568 points to Samsung also prioritizing other core aspects of the user experience. Making the phone run cooler and last longer, all while offering the newest connectivity standard, sounds like a great move.
Google Chrome is generally thought of as a pretty safe browser to use, but that doesn’t make it an impenetrable fortress, and a Chrome exploit used to distribute malware is the latest proof of that. A zero-day is an exploit that, once discovered, is immediately used to attack an entity or other users. This gives the company that makes the software that contains the exploit zero days to prepare for its malicious use. Instead, they’re forced to work on patching the previously unknown vulnerability after the fact.
According to a report from Bleeping Computer, a zero-day was recently used to target a variety of entities by distributing malware. Reported targets include Russian media outlets, educational institutions, and financial institutions. The malware, known as ‘Dante,’ is said to be a piece of commercial spyware. It was also reportedly created by Memento Labs, an Italian company formerly known as Hacker Team.
The Chrome exploit that was distributing malware was discovered by Kaspersky
Dante was initially discovered back in March of this year, as malware used as part of an attack called Operation ForumTroll that targeted Russian organizations. However, it wasn’t until recently that Kaspersky shared more intricate details of the malware and its inner workings.
As noted by Kaspersky, the initial point of infection from this malware occurred when users clicked a link in a phishing email. Once at the malicious website, the victims were “verified” and then the exploit was executed.
According to reports, these phishing emails were sending out invites to Russian organizations to attend the Primakov Readings forum.
Kaspersky further details that the Dante software, as well as other tools used in Operation ForumTroll, were developed by Memento Labs, linking the company to these attacks in some form. It’s worth noting that this company isn’t 100% confirmed to be behind the attacks. As noted by Bleeping Computer, there is a possibility that someone else was behind the zero-day attack and distribution of the malware.
Xbox has a new rival in town, and you might be surprised to know that it’s TikTok, as well as movies, that keep the Head of Xbox Game Studios up at night. Not PlayStation, not Nintendo. A social media application available on Android and iOS, and those motion picture films that you used to flock to theaters to see, but can now more easily than ever before watch from the comfort of your own couch.
It’s likely strange hearing that a video game company isn’t considering other video game companies its competitors anymore. That’s understandable. Xbox targeting TikTok and movies as its new rivals probably feels entirely random. As random as it might feel, if PlayStation were to stop competing with other video game companies and start targeting fast food chains. On a surface level, it doesn’t make any sense. But if you dig a little deeper, you can start to see the direction that Xbox is probably taking, in addition to the reason it’s taking it.
Xbox probably sees TikTok and movies as its new rivals because it’s competing for your time
To be clear, this has always been the case. Video games are a form of entertainment, and as long as they’ve been around, they’ve had to compete for your time with any other form of entertainment. So, that’s not an entirely new aspect of things. However, things have changed quite a bit. Now more than ever, entertainment through mediums like movies and TikTok is commanding the time of everyone, from teenagers to full-blown adults.
TikTok consumption is on such a massive scale that it wouldn’t be surprising to learn if some users were avoiding all other forms of entertainment to scroll through new clips. There likely are some users out there who are like this. Microsoft and its Xbox team appear to think so, and this is likely a big reason why it considers TikTok one of its new main rivals.
This is just speculation, of course, but it’s the most reasonable assumption that can be made. TikTok, movies, and streaming video make up a huge chunk of media consumption these days. Naturally, Xbox wants users to spend time playing games as opposed to watching videos. So, it’s setting its sights on those types of services.
The Xbox, as we know it, has changed forever
The days of Xbox being the third console behemoth in the market are long gone. This console platform of the early 2000s and 2010s has transformed into something entirely different. It’s not dead per se, but it’s certainly dead in the sense that the Xbox that fans have loved for two decades isn’t the same. Not only is Microsoft now targeting social media apps as its new rival, but its Xbox consoles won’t be traditional consoles anymore. The next Xbox will reportedly be a Windows gaming PC with an Xbox UI layer on top. It’s a new age for Xbox. For better or worse, this is the path Microsoft has chosen to take.
Rumors of the next-gen Xbox console powered by Windows, making it a full-fledged gaming PC, began floating to the surface of the news cycle earlier this month. Now, it seems that those rumors actually have weight to them. So much weight that the rumors are reportedly true.
When the rumors first popped up, we said it sounded like the next console would just be an expensive gaming PC. That’s exactly what Microsoft is going for, according to Windows Central. (It is worth noting that this report is based on “trusted sources within Microsoft.” So, Microsoft itself has not publicly announced these details). This probably comes as no surprise to some. The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally launched on October 16, and both feature a new software experience. It’s called the Xbox Fullscreen Experience, and it’s designed to be more of a console-like user interface than Windows 11.
One of the main complaints that Windows 11 handhelds have had so far is that they don’t feel like handheld consoles, which is essentially what they are. The Xbox Fullscreen Experience takes steps to address that issue. In most ways, it does a fine job at this. All your games are accessible right from one place. This includes games across clients like the Xbox app, Steam, Ubisoft Connect, and more. The next Xbox console is following in these footsteps.
Microsoft’s next Xbox console is a Windows PC, but it will have a console-style UI
The important bit here for console fans is that the new Xbox will have a console-style UI. Similar to, or perhaps exactly like, the Xbox Fullscreen Experience for the ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally. The console experience will be layered on top of Windows, just like those handhelds. It will also boot into this experience as soon as you power it on, as opposed to booting into Windows first.
There is a major difference, though. As Windows Central reports, those who prefer this console UI can stay within it indefinitely. With no requirement to ever leave it. That means updates, game installs, etc., will all be doable from this experience. For comparison, with the ROG Xbox Ally X, if you want to update anything, it all has to be done from the Windows side of things. It’s not a great experience, all things considered. The next console is reportedly not going to have this problem. That’s a big step in the right direction if you want a console to be a console.
That being said, gamers will have the option to move to the Windows layout if they want to play games from other clients, such as Steam, or play Windows games that run in their own client and aren’t available on Xbox.
It’s still unclear what the price is going to be. However, Xbox President Sarah Bond did confirm that the next-gen Xbox will be a “very premium, very high-end, curated experience.” So, chances are the next Xbox won’t be as affordable as some people are hoping.
You only really know about a company based on the public image it wants you to see. But what really goes on behind the scenes? Behind the glitzy product launches, what exactly takes place in the planning process? If you’re curious about how a carrier operates, PhoneArena managed to land an exclusive interview with a Verizon representative who spilled the beans on the company’s operations.
Verizon representative tells all
According to the interview with the Verizon representative called “Jim,” it uncovered some of the things that take place behind the scenes. For starters, Verizon is relying pretty heavily on AI. This comes in the form of an AI tool called “Personal Shopper.” This feature automatically builds a cart of so-called recommended items when customers open a new account.
While it might sound useful, Jim suggests that this usually results in a ton of irrelevant products, which makes it annoying for employees to manage. Employees are also pressured to meet strict sales quotas with mandatory upselling. These are not optional goals, and failing to meet a quota could jeopardize their employment.
Unfortunately, this has created a somewhat toxic environment. Due to the immense pressure to perform, some employees resort to deceptive tactics. We’re talking about hidden insurance or fees here. So, the next time you get your bill, you might want to take a deeper look at the charges.
All of this comes from the higher-ups too, where management encourages upselling for items like extra lines, even if a customer doesn’t need it.
But it’s not all bad
Based on the interview, it sounds like Verizon resorts to some pretty shady tactics when it comes to upselling. However, it’s not all bad. It seems that despite the stressful sales environment and pressure to meet quotas, Verizon is apparently a pretty good employer. The carrier offers decent pay, commissions, and benefits.
Still, these pressures can lead to burnout, which results in employees leaving. But it seems that many of them eventually return. This is because the pay and benefits are simply too good to give up on.
Jim acknowledges some of the shady tactics Verizon uses, but he also notes that it’s the same thing at T-Mobile. “It’s just that you wear pink instead of a red shirt, and you hand out goodies on Tuesdays.”
WhatsApp has released a new beta update for Android, which reveals that the company is working on the ability for users to set a cover photo on their profile. This feature, already available for WhatsApp Business accounts, will soon be coming to regular users as well.
The new cover photo option will let users add a banner image at the top of their WhatsApp profile, similar to what we see on Facebook or LinkedIn. This image will allow people to express their personality, mood, or style through visuals, to make profiles more fun and personal.
Currently, only WhatsApp Business users can set cover photos to make their pages look more professional and appealing. However, WhatsApp now plans to expand this feature to everyone. Users will be able to upload or select a picture from their gallery directly in their profile settings.
Image via WABetaInfo
WhatsApp is also testing privacy settings for cover photos, giving users control over who can see them. The available options include “Everyone,” “My contacts,” and “Nobody.” For now, there’s no “My contacts except” option, but it might be added later. These privacy options ensure that users can customize their profiles while staying in control of their personal information.
The cover photo feature is currently under development and is not yet available to users. WhatsApp is currently testing and improving it before a wider release. Once ready, the update will likely roll out to beta testers first and then to all users in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more information.
SamsungGalaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are currently under development. Fans are expecting these new earbuds to launch in early 2026, probably alongside the Galaxy S26 smartphones. Now, new information reveals the battery life of Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro cases.
According to the latest information via GalaxyClub, both earbuds will come with slightly larger charging cases. The Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro cases could have a rated battery of 515 mAh, with a typical capacity around 530 mAh.
This is a small upgrade compared to the Galaxy Buds 3 series, which had a 515 mAh battery. Even though the improvement is minor, it should mean users will need to charge the cases less often. Samsung may also improve the earbuds’ efficiency so they can play music longer on a single charge.
Recently, the codenames and model numbers of the new earbuds also leaked. Samsung calls the Galaxy Buds 4 “Handel” (model SM-R540) and the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro “Bach” (model SM-R640).
Moreover, some design details have also appeared online. Early sketches show that the Galaxy Buds 4 will keep the stem-style design from the Buds 3 series, with a few small changes. The stems may be slightly reshaped for better comfort and use.
The Galaxy Buds 4 series seems to bring small but meaningful improvements. Stay tuned for more information.
If you own a Samsung Galaxy phone like the Galaxy S25 Ultra or S24, you may have noticed that your device often feels faster and smoother after a software update. Even small security patches can make a noticeable difference. Many people assume it’s just in their imagination, but several real-time changes improve your phone’s performance.
Software updates don’t just fix security issues, as they often include tiny improvements to the system that make users feel better. They refresh your phone in ways you might not see but can definitely feel.
Here’s How Samsung Software Updates Make Your Phone Feel Smoother
1.) System Cleanup
When you install an update, your phone automatically removes temporary files, logs, and cached data. This “system cleanup” frees up storage and helps reduce memory issues, which makes the device run more efficiently. After a reboot, apps open faster, animations feel smoother, and overall performance improves
2.) Smarter Task Management
Even security updates often include small improvements to background task scheduling, Samsung tweaks components such as Device Care, Game Booster, System UI, and SmartThings to manage CPU and GPU resources better. These adjustments help animations stay consistent, apps launch quicker, and scrolling feels more stable.
3.) Performance Reset
Over time, your phone’s AI performance mode or thermal throttling may slow down the system to prevent overheating. Updates often reset these settings to their default values, allowing the phone to perform at its best temporarily. This reset can make the device feel faster and more responsive immediately after updating.
4.) Visual and UI Refresh
Minor changes like smoother transitions, improved font rendering, and subtle tweaks to icons or animations can create a noticeable “fresh” feeling. Even small visual improvements are enough to make your phone feel newer.
So, Samsung updates do more than keep your phone secure as they clean up the system, optimize background tasks, reset performance settings, and improve visuals. That’s why even minor updates can make your Galaxy phone feel faster, smoother, and more enjoyable to use.
Skylum has announced the Fall 2025 update to its award-winning Luminar Neo software, promising enhancements to existing tools and all-new features for photographers of all skill levels.
Hollyland's new Vcore is a compact camera accessory that promises to turn an iPhone or Android smartphone into a professional on-camera monitor, wireless video transmitter, and media management solution.
Atlanta Film Company has a very limited quantity of 250D 65mm motion picture film that has been hand respooled to fit 120 format for stills photography. Due to a change in motion picture film availability, this is a very limited run that probably won't be back once it's gone.
The influential Leica I 35mm camera turns 100 years old this year, and Chicago-based Tamarkin Camera, a premier Leica specialist, is celebrating Leica's centenary in style with a Leica-heavy Rare Camera Auction on November 15. Bidding is open now, so here are 10 of the most interesting lots Tamarkin has up for grabs, some of which are expected to sell for as much as $35,000.
The Bigme Hibreak S is a relatively affordable smartphone with an e-ink display that works well as a pocket-sized e-reader, but can also replace a regular smartphone thanks to its LTE modem, speakers, cameras and Android operating system.
1X has opened pre-orders for the NEO humanoid AI home robot capable of autonomously completing house chores and interacting with its owners. Built-in 5G connectivity allows the robot to be used indoors and outdoors in dry environments.
A fan-made mod for Rockstar's classic open-world title, Bully, promises complete online integration for the 20-year-old game, allowing a co-op experience where you can team up with friends to tackle minigames, free roam, roleplay, racing, and much more.
Deal | The Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4 workstation laptop with a stunning 4K OLED display, 64 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage has reached its record-low price after a massive 44% discount. The workstation laptop is powered by an 8-core Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350 APU and a large 86 Wh battery.
While there is much attention on the rumored PS6 handheld, the PS Portal may soon have more features. A store listing hinted that the handheld could stream games not in the PS Plus catalog. Mobile gamers would enjoy a larger selection of PS5 games available on the PlayStation Portal.
Nikon’s compact full-frame camera with retro design gains new features with a major software update to version 3.00. The new firmware introduces the option to shoot photos with film grain in order to match the camera’s retro look.
Only 5,000 pairs of the limited-edition Audio-Technica ATH-M50x ENSO over-ear wired headphones are available to celebrate the original M50x model. Japanese decorative elements symbolizing the nature of life have been incorporated into this release.
Apple recently became the third company in history to cross US$4 trillion in market capitalization, thanks to better-than-anticipated iPhone 17 series sales and forward-thinking supply chain decisions.
You have to spend several hundred dollars for a smartphone with a large battery and a bright screen, right? Xiaomi sees things differently and, with the Redmi 15C 4G, is launching a smartphone for tight budgets or as a second phone.
Xiaomi's Hyper Island functionality should be available to all smartphones and tablets eligible to receive HyperOS 3 after all. A recent discovery indicates that significant restrictions will still exist on certain Redmi and Redmi Note smartphones though, among other cheaper Xiaomi devices.
The new power bank from Revolt supports wireless charging and also doubles as a gaming handheld. Compared to many other gaming devices, the selection of games is relatively limited, although this probably doesn’t have technical reasons.
The Oppo Find X9 Pro camera flagship will be offered in Europe with an optional telephoto converter that is said to enable tenfold optical zoom. However, misleading marketing is attempting to obscure the telephoto converter's biggest weakness.
The US Department of Energy, together with AMD, HPE, Oracle and ORNL, is investing $1 billion in two new supercomputers. "Lux" is expected to be completed in just six months and will accelerate research into fusion energy, medicine and national security.
A new beta update has arrived for the Garmin Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 smartwatches, version 15.12. This update tackles issues linked to the flashlight, voice alerts and the incident detection feature. Plus, with this beta release, Garmin has removed a shortcut for the sleep mode function, which has been replaced.
New pictures showcasing Motorola's next ultra-thin smartphone have turned up online. At the same time, the EU's energy label indicates that the Motorola Edge 70 will easily surpass the iPhone Air and Galaxy S25 Edge when it comes to battery life.
Hideo Kojima could have worked on the first game based on The Matrix movie. But although the project seemed interesting, it never saw the light of day, and here's why.
The WP62 is a new rugged smartphone with a design that isn’t exactly subtle. It sports a high-capacity battery, and the WP62 itself can function as a power bank. However, this feature may be less convenient compared to a proper power bank.
The IKEA Dirigera Hub is receiving a new update, software version 2.866.3. This release brings Matter 1.3 to the wearable, adding support for two new device types. Plus, users of this smart home hub also get an improvement to the Adaptive Lighting tool, a change made based on feedback after an earlier update.
A Galaxy S25 Plus in South Korea reportedly caught fire while idle, raising questions about battery safety and heat management in Samsung’s latest flagship. Engineers are investigating whether the Exynos 2500 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 hardware could be linked to the overheating.
RedMagic has now confirmed its global release plans for its first Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5-powered smartphone. Having previously only confirmed that the RedMagic 11 Pro is set to be available worldwide, the company has now revealed when it will confirm pricing details and when the device will be available to order.
Samsung's next-generation TWS earbuds could still be a few months away from being released. Nonetheless, a typically reliable source has delivered fresh insights into both the Galaxy Buds4 and Galaxy Buds4 Pro ahead of time.
Amazfit is rolling out a new update for one of its wearables. Software version 3.3.10.1 allows users to sync heart rate variability (HRV) to another popular app. Plus, with this update, Amazfit has also improved the Helio Strap’s heart rate algorithm and issued a series of bug fixes for the device.
The OnePlus 15 has just become official in China, and the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 flagship brings numerous gaming-focused upgrades. Nubia's General Manager says that Nubia will offer a better RedMagic gaming phone but at a lower price.
We've completed our battery life and charging tests on the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max and the result are pretty great. Let's see the numbers.
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max puts its massive 7,500mAh battery to good use, scoring more than 4 hours of active use over the Xiaomi 15T Pro (which, granted, has 2,000mAh less battery). You need to look at the likes of the Oppo Find X9 Pro to find a better Active Use Score. Still, the Xiaomi is better in some individual tests - it has 12 hours more in the call test, and a few minutes more in the video playback test.
The 29 hours dead the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max was...
Google launched most of the Pixel 10 family back in August, but one member is still missing: the Pixel 10a, the mid-ranger that will be the cheapest of the bunch.
This is now portrayed in the CAD-based renders you can see below, ahead of its possible unveiling in early 2026. At one time it was even rumored to arrive before the end of this year, but the source of these shots now says it will be early next year instead.
That still means it will land earlier in the year than its predecessor did, back in March. In the leaked CAD-based renders, the Pixel 10a looks pretty much identical...
There have been quite a few rumors over the past few days regarding the iPhone 20 family, expected to come out in 2027 and celebrate the first iPhone launch's 20th anniversary.
The latest one concerns something we've heard about before, namely Apple getting rid of all physical buttons and replacing them with capacitive ones. This has been rumored multiple times for previous iPhone generations but never happened. And now a new rumor from China tells us it finally will - with the iPhone 20 handsets.
These will allegedly be devoid of any physical buttons, and they'll also come with...
The first phones using Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC have started to come out last month, following the chipset's official announcement, and yet if you have, for some reason, been wondering what to expect from its successor, today a few details have been outed.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 is probably going to be unveiled in September 2026. It will allegedly be made on a 2nm process by TSMC, and this will enable some great gains in terms of power consumption and performance compared to its predecessor.
The 8 Elite Gen 6 is said to support LPDDR6 memory and UFS 5.0 storage,...
Xiaomi is taking its next big software step with HyperOS 3, an update built on Android 16 that aims to deliver smarter AI features, smoother performance, and a slightly updated interface. The rollout begins with the Xiaomi 15T and 15T Pro in Europe, with more devices to follow in the coming months.
According to Xiaomi, the global rollout will expand in stages through early 2026. Beta users are the first to receive it—others can check for the update under Settings > About Phone > System Update.
The initial wave (October–November) covers the Xiaomi 15 series, 15 Ultra, Redmi Note 14, and Poco F7/X7 lineups. From November to December, it is expected to reach the Xiaomi 14 series, Poco F6, and several midrange Redmi models. The final phase (December–March 2026) includes older flagships like the Xiaomi 12 and 13 series, ensuring most recent devices get the upgrade.
New features:
One of the biggest additions is Hyper Island, a pill-shaped hub at the top of the screen that combines notifications, live activities, and quick actions into a single space. It works with over 70 apps and services, letting users control music or reply to messages without switching apps.
HyperOS 3 also introduces several AI-powered tools:
DeepThink Note Writing – expands ideas into detailed notes or summaries.
AI Voice Translation – provides real-time, multilingual translation.
AI Noise Reduction – improves recorded audio clarity.
Gallery AI Search – helps find photos by content or objects.
System-Wide AI Search – quickly locates apps and files.
AI Image Description & Summarization – turns visuals into context or captions.
Xiaomi says the update brings a 30% boost in overall performance, with apps opening 21% faster, energy efficiency up by 10%, and fewer frame drops in games. More than 100 small animation tweaks also make navigation feel smoother across the interface.
However, it’s still unclear whether these AI features will roll out across all models or remain exclusive to Xiaomi’s premium devices. Many of the tools, including image generation, are powered by Google AI and likely run on cloud servers rather than locally.
In the world of smartphones, the line between “affordable flagship” and “true flagship” continues to blur. With the arrival of the Redmi K90 Pro Max and the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, buyers now have two powerhouse options from the Xiaomi ecosystem. While both offer cutting edge hardware, the K90 Pro Max delivers near flagship hardware at a more accessible price point. Considering some of their specs are also identical, what’s the difference between the budget flagship and the brand’s true flagship?
Design & Display
The Chinese tech giant’s two new Pro Max models feature a very similar design language, with flat rear and front, a metallic frame on the side, and rounded corners. However, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max’s unique secondary cover display on the back is a key highlight. This tiny 2.9-inch panel can not only display crucial information like date, time, and notifications, but it also doubles as a camera viewfinder, showcases live statuses (active tasks like cabs, music playback, others), features virtual pets, and much more.
Xiaomi 17 Pro Max
On the front, Xiaomi equips both the Redmi K90 Pro Max and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max with the same 6.9-inch 2K OLED flat M10 LTPO panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, 3500 nits of peak brightness, DC dimming, and Xiaomi’s Dragon Crystal Glass for protection. So, apart from the cover screen, the visual experience is basically the same.
Hardware
Another major aspect that remains unchanged between the two devices is the Qualcomm chip under the hood. The brand offers the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, built on a 3nm process and designed for high performance. This flagship chip is paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage.
Redmi K90 Pro Max
A massive 7,500mAh battery pack powers the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, while the Redmi K90 Pro Max barely edges ahead with a 7,560mAh cell. The duo supports 100W wired fast charging, 50W wireless fast charging, and 22.5W reverse wired charging (22.5W reverse wireless charging support on the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max).
While Xiaomi’s top of the line smartphone gets a dual display setup, Redmi’s premium smartphone also gets a unique feature on the rear. Alongside its camera lenses, there is a dedicated woofer with ‘Sound by Bose’, which is a part of the 2.1 stereo sound field that includes the dual speakers.
Photography
Just like how the Redmi K90 Pro Max borrows the display from the 17 Pro Max, the K90 Pro Max borrows its main camera from another Xiaomi 17 series model. It arrives with a 50MP 1/1.31″ Light Fusion 950 sensor with OIS that is also found on the standard Xiaomi 17. This is paired with a 50MP ultra wide angle lens and a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto shooter (a first for the brand). For selfies and video calls, the front houses a 20MP camera.
On the other hand, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max packs a larger 50MP Light Hunter 950L main sensor (1/1.28″), 50MP ultra wide angle lens, and 50MP periscope telephoto shooter with 5x zoom. There is also a 50MP shooter for selfies and video calls. Apart from better hardware, this model also brings Xiaomi’s collaboration with Leica.
Pricing & Final Thoughts
Lastly, let’s talk about the pricing. Xiaomi sells the 17 Pro Max with a starting price tag of 5,999 Yuan (roughly 841 US Dollars) for the 12GB + 512GB starting option. Meanwhile, the 12GB + 256GB base variant of the Redmi K90 Pro Max costs 3,999 Yuan (roughly 561 US Dollars). The higher 12GB + 512GB option costs 4,499 Yuan. So choosing between the Redmi K90 Pro Max and the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max comes down to what you prioritize most.
If you’re looking for high-end performance, a large battery, and a strong all-around phone at a better value, the K90 Pro Max stands out as a very compelling option. But if you want every premium feature, a richer camera system, a secondary display and the absolute top tier of flagship finishing, the 17 Pro Max delivers that.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Oppo has recently unveiled the Find X9 smartphone for the global market, a couple of weeks after its launch in China.
Display and Design
The Find X9 comes with a 6.59-inch AMOLED display offering a 2760×1256 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 3600 nits of peak brightness. It also features 3840Hz PWM dimming for reduced flicker. The design includes a flat aluminum frame and matte glass back, available in Titanium Grey, Space Black, and Velvet Red. It holds IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance.
Hasselblad Master Camera System
The Find X9 features the new Hasselblad Master Camera System, developed in collaboration with Hasselblad. It includes a 50MP main camera using the 1/1.4-inch Sony LYT-808 sensor with an f/1.6 aperture that captures 57% more light for better low-light shots. The setup also includes a 50MP ultra-wide camera with autofocus for macro photography and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens based on the Sony LYT600 sensor for optical zoom. A dedicated 2MP True Color Camera analyzes ambient light for accurate color output.
The LUMO Image Engine improves clarity and tone while using up to 50% less CPU power. It automatically adjusts between 50MP, 25MP, and 12MP modes depending on lighting to balance detail and noise.
Performance and Battery
Powering the device is the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset built on a 3nm process. It delivers 32% faster CPU performance and cuts peak power draw by 55%. The Arm G1 Ultra GPU improves graphics by 33% and works with advanced vapor cooling for sustained performance.
The phone houses a 7025mAh battery in a slim 7.99mm frame. Using OPPO’s third-generation Silicon-Carbon technology, it maintains 80% capacity after five years of use. It supports 80W SUPERVOOC wired charging, 50W AIRVOOC wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging.
Software and Features
Running ColorOS 16 based on Android 16, the phone adds AI tools like AI Mind Space, AI Recorder, and AI Portrait Glow. O+ Connect allows cross-device control with Windows and Mac, supporting screen mirroring and remote file access.
Price and Availability
The OPPO Find X9 is priced at €999 (USD 1164) for the 12GB + 512GB variant. Global sales begin in early November 2025, with the Find X9 Pro launching alongside it. Both models will arrive in India in November.
Insta360’s latest 360° action camera is proof that big performance doesn’t need to come with bulk. The newly launched X4 Air takes the company’s high-res 8K shooting chops and packs them into a body lighter than most smartphones — a move that could make full 360° capture more spontaneous than ever.
Announced on October 28, the X4 Air weighs just 165 grams (0.36 lbs) — that’s 38 grams lighter than the original X4. Its 46 x 113.8 x 37 mm matte-finish frame (in Graphite Black or Arctic White) feels purpose-built for creators on the go, slipping easily into a jacket pocket or small camera pouch.
Under the hood, you’ll find dual 1/1.8-inch CMOS sensors rated at 29MP with f/1.95 lenses, capable of shooting 8K video at 30fps or 6K at 24fps.
The camera carries over familiar modes from previous models — Active HDR, InstaFrame, timelapse, loop recording, and Road Mode — alongside FlowState stabilization and 360° Horizon Lock to keep footage smooth even when things get bumpy. Through the Insta360 app, creators can reframe, auto-edit, and export clips in minutes using built-in AI tools.
Insta360 X4 Air
Power comes from a 2,010 mAh removable battery, good for around 88 minutes of 8K recording (the same as the Insta360 X5) or 100 minutes at 6K. As for charging, it hits 80% at around 36 minutes and 100% at around 57 minutes.
Pricing starts at $399.99 / €399.99 for the base kit, which includes the camera, battery, and essentials. The Starter Bundle adds an 114 cm invisible selfie stick, lens cap, and spare battery for $439.99 / €429.99. Both are available now via Insta360’s website and Amazon.
The X4 Air isn’t trying to reinvent 360° cameras — it’s streamlining them. By trimming weight and simplifying operation while keeping 8K clarity, Insta360 may have found the sweet spot for everyday creators who want cinematic results without a full backpack of gear.
OPPO has launched its flagship Find X9 Pro, introduced globally alongside the standard Find X9, just weeks after their debut in China. The new lineup brings major upgrades in imaging, performance, and battery efficiency, powered by the latest ColorOS 16 platform.
200MP Hasselblad Telephoto and Triple Exposure Imaging
The Find X9 Pro features an Ultra XDR Main Camera with a custom 1/1.28-inch Sony LYT828 sensor and Real-Time Triple Exposure technology that captures details across both bright and dark areas in one shot.
Its standout feature is the 200MP Hasselblad Telephoto Camera, developed in partnership with Hasselblad. The 3x zoom lens uses a 1/1.56-inch Samsung HP5 sensor and an f/2.1 aperture, offering better light capture and detailed close-up shots from as close as 10cm. OPPO’s Active Optical Alignment system ensures precise lens calibration, improving resolution by up to 15%.
The setup is completed by a 50MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP True Color sensor, forming OPPO’s most advanced imaging system yet. The LUMO Image Engine enhances dynamic range, color accuracy, and computational efficiency while cutting CPU and power load by up to 50%. Users can record 4K 120fps Dolby Vision HDR video or LOG footage with ACES certification for professional color grading.
Performance and Battery
The Find X9 Pro runs on the Dimensity 9500 SoC built on a 3nm process, paired with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB UFS 4.1 storage. The All-Big-Core design delivers up to 32% faster performance while using less power. It packs a 7500mAh Silicon-Carbon battery, the largest ever in an OPPO flagship, supporting 80W SUPERVOOC wired, 50W AIRVOOC wireless, and reverse charging.
Display and Build
The phone sports a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 2780×1264 resolution, 1–120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 3840Hz PWM dimming, and 3600 nits peak brightness. It supports Dolby Vision for HDR playback.
Built with a matte aluminum frame and glass back, it weighs 224g and measures 8.25mm thick. It is IP66, IP68, and IP69 rated for dust and water resistance. Available in Silk White and Titanium Charcoal, it combines durability with a premium look.
ColorOS 16 and AI Features
Running on Android 16, ColorOS 16 brings smoother animations with Seamless Animation and the Luminous Rendering Engine. AI tools like AI Recorder, AI Portrait Glow, and AI Mind Space enhance productivity and creativity. The new O+ Connect feature allows real-time screen mirroring and cross-device control on Windows and Mac.
Pricing and Availability
The OPPO Find X9 Pro (16GB + 512GB) is priced at €1299 (USD 1514). The Find X9 series will roll out globally in early November 2025, with India confirmed among the first launch markets.
For more daily updates, please visit ourNews Section.
CLAW has launched the GH40 Wired RGB Gaming Headset in India. It is built for gamers who want clear sound, comfort during long sessions, and easy compatibility with different devices.
The GH40 features 50mm dynamic drivers that deliver deep bass and sharp highs, helping players hear every detail like footsteps, gunfire, and ambient sounds. The audio is balanced, making it suitable not only for gaming but also for music and movies.
It comes with a flexible noise-reducing microphone that keeps your voice clear and blocks background noise. This ensures smooth communication whether you are giving in-game commands or chatting with teammates.
Designed for long hours of use, the GH40 has a lightweight build, an adjustable padded headband, and soft ear cushions for lasting comfort. The 2-meter braided cable is strong and flexible, while the inline controller gives you quick access to volume and mic mute controls.
The headset connects through a 3.5mm audio jack, making it compatible with PCs, laptops, smartphones, PlayStations, and Xbox consoles. No setup or software is needed; you can plug it in and start playing right away. The earcups feature multicolor RGB lighting.
Pricing & availability
The CLAW GH40 Wired RGB Gaming Headset is available for ₹2,490, with a limited-time offer of ₹1,490 on Amazon.in and Originshop.co.in.
Dreame has officially stepped into the home audio segment with the launch of its first two soundbar systems: the Pano S1 and Pano S2. The S1 targets mid-range buyers at 2,199 yuan ($309), while the S2 is a high-end model priced at 4,098 yuan ($576). Both models support Dolby Atmos and come equipped with Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless streaming.
Dreame Pano S1 Specifications
The Dreame Pano S1 is a 3.1.2-channel soundbar system with a total power output of 500 watts. It includes a main bar with nine speaker drivers and a separate 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer. The main bar features three full-range units, three tweeters, and two upward-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos. Dreame has used plant-fiber composite diaphragms in the full-range drivers and silk-dome tweeters to enhance audio quality across all frequencies.
The S1 supports a frequency range from 45Hz to 20kHz. Dreame has designed the subwoofer with an instant-fold surround structure to improve low-end performance. The system includes three sound modes: Music, Cinema, and Game, to suit different types of content.
In terms of design, the S1 uses a Bauhaus-inspired aesthetic and comes in Walnut Black and Walnut Grey finishes. It features a front-facing LED display and offers input options such as HDMI (eARC), optical, AUX, USB, and Bluetooth 5.4. The soundbar measures 863.4 × 102.2 × 61.5 mm, and the subwoofer measures 192 × 295 × 370 mm. The total weight is 6.8 kilograms without packaging.
Dreame Pano S2 Specifications
The Pano S2 is a 5.1.2-channel system that includes a main soundbar, an 8-inch wireless subwoofer, and two independent rear speakers. It features 12 speaker drivers in total and delivers 630 watts of peak output. The main bar houses three full-range drivers, two tweeters, and two upward-firing Atmos speakers. The rear units each include two drivers, one tweeter and one full-range, for a more immersive surround sound experience.
The S2 covers a frequency response from 40Hz to 20kHz. Like the S1, it uses composite plant-fiber and silk-dome diaphragm materials to improve clarity and accuracy across the audio spectrum. The system supports the same three sound modes and uses Bluetooth 5.4 for stable low-latency streaming.
For connectivity, it includes HDMI 2.1 (eARC/ARC), optical, AUX, USB, and DC input. The Pano S2 features an Obsidian Black finish with a brushed metal nameplate. The soundbar measures 938 × 102.2 × 61.5 mm, the subwoofer measures 192 × 356 × 375 mm, and each rear speaker measures 205 × 102.2 × 61.5 mm. The total weight is 10.4 kilograms without packaging.
Dreame confirmed that both models were acoustically tuned in collaboration with audio specialists who have over two decades of experience.
In related news, Dreame has unveiled its V3000 Aura 4K Mini LED TVs featuring 2800 nits peak brightness and Dolby Atmos sound, along with the new 501L cross-door refrigerator offering -32°C deep freezing and VITA humidity control.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
The iPhone Air arrived as Apple’s slimmest flagship yet, but talk of weak demand and slashed production quickly threatened to overshadow its debut. Now, a major analyst firm is pushing back, saying output is holding steady despite reports to the contrary.
In an October 26 investor note seen by AppleInsider, TD Cowen analysts said their supply chain checks show “no changes” to iPhone Air production for 2025. The firm’s data points to stable forecasts — around 3 million units for the September quarter and 7 million for the December quarter. Overall iPhone 17 series production remains at roughly 54 million and 79 million units for the same periods, suggesting solid demand across the lineup.
That view directly contradicts a string of more pessimistic reports earlier this month. On October 17, Japan’s Mizuho Securities claimed Apple had reduced iPhone Air production by a million units, shifting focus to other models instead. Days later, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo backed that narrative, citing scaled-back capacity.
TD Cowen, however, says its conclusions come from direct supplier verification rather than anonymous chain chatter. The firm suggests rival reports may have misread Apple’s short-term manufacturing adjustments. Cupertino’s just-in-time system often shifts builds within weeks based on early sales data — especially when Pro models outsell expectations at launch.
The iPhone Air occupies a unique middle ground in Apple’s lineup: slimmer and lighter than the Pro but priced higher than the base model at $999. Its launch faced minor headwinds, including eSIM regulatory delays in China and early complaints about its smaller 3,149mAh battery compared to the Pro’s 4,252mAh (eSIM model). Even so, TD Cowen’s note points to consistent output and confidence in the model’s long-term performance.
The Air’s projected 10 million-unit total for this cycle is modest next to the 50+ million Pro models, but it aligns with Apple’s segmented strategy. As the holiday quarter unfolds, real sales numbers will tell whether Apple’s ultra-thin gamble pays off — or if the early skepticism sticks.
Samsung’s foldable lineup has come a long way, but one thing has stuck around since the very first model — that visible crease down the middle of the screen. Now, a new report suggests the Galaxy Z Fold 8 might finally be the one to smooth things out, both literally and figuratively.
According to Korean outlet Deal Site, Samsung plans to use an ASP laser-drilled metal plate under the main display to eliminate the crease entirely. The component, dotted with microscopic holes to allow bending without stress marks, should keep the screen looking flat while maintaining the device’s signature foldability. The technology was first rumored earlier this year and could debut in mid-2026. Interestingly, Apple is said to be exploring a similar approach for its first foldable iPhone, expected in 2027.
The report also mentions a welcome battery upgrade — a 5,000mAh (or slightly larger) cell, up from the Z Fold 7’s 4,400mAh. That extra capacity, combined with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 chip, could give the Fold 8 far better endurance, especially when using its large 8-inch inner screen.
Another detail that may please long-time fans is the possible return of S Pen support. The stylus was dropped from the Z Fold 7 to keep the body slimmer, but Samsung seems to have found a way to integrate the digitizer without adding noticeable bulk. That would help the Fold 8 regain some productivity edge and keep existing Galaxy Fold users from jumping ship to rival brands.
With Apple’s entry set for 2027, 2026 could be a landmark year for the next generation of folding phones. If things go as planned, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 could arrive by mid-2026, with a starting price of around $1,999 — matching or slightly topping the Fold 7.
Portronics has launched the Beem 550 Smart LED Projector in India. The projector targets users who want a portable, easy-to-use home entertainment device with built-in streaming capabilities.
Pricing and Availability
It is priced at ₹9,999 ($113) and is available through Portronics.com, Amazon, Flipkart, and other major retailers. The company is offering a 12-month warranty with the product.
Portronics Beem 550 Specifications
The Beem 550 projects in native 720p resolution and supports up to 1080p Full HD playback. It uses a 6000-lumen LED light source and offers a contrast ratio of 2000:1. Portronics claims the projector delivers clear and vibrant visuals even in well-lit rooms. The device supports projection sizes up to 100 inches with a throw distance ranging between 1.2 and 4 meters. The LED lamp is rated for up to 40,000 hours of usage.
Portronics has equipped the projector with autofocus and auto keystone correction. These features automatically align the picture and eliminate the need for manual setup. The built-in telescopic monopod stand supports adjustable height and angle, allowing users to set it up on a table or floor without additional accessories.
The Beem 550 runs on Android TV and includes popular streaming apps such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and YouTube. It allows direct streaming without the need for external devices. The projector comes with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage to handle streaming and app operations smoothly.
The device features a 5W bottom-mounted speaker and supports common audio formats like MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, and OGG. It also provides an AUX output for connecting external speakers or sound systems.
For connectivity, the projector offers dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI input, USB-A port, and screen mirroring support for seamless device pairing.
In a small garage turned workshop, a father and son have built what might be the world’s fastest drone — and it wasn’t made in a lab, but on a 3D printer. The Peregreen 3, a hand-crafted quadcopter designed by Mike Bell and his son Luke Maximo Bell, has reportedly hit 585 km/h (363.5 mph) in a test flight, breaking the previous drone speed record by 27 km/h.
The record-attempt flight, documented with GPS and onboard video, still awaits Guinness certification as of writing. But it continues a streak for the Bells, who have been chasing speed records for years. Their last model, the Peregreen 2, topped out at 480 km/h — already among the fastest in the world.
The Peregreen 3’s secret is brute force and clever engineering. Its electric motors pull 16.2 kW at peak power, almost double the output of its predecessor, with energy supplied by a 16 kW battery pack. The entire drone weighs 2.77 kg, a full kilogram heavier than before, but gains stability from custom APC propellers designed to avoid supersonic tip speeds.
After an early prototype caught fire, the pair introduced a 50 ml water-cooling system to replace air vents and reduce drag. They also reworked the GPS setup, mounting the receiver directly on the camera to eliminate interference. The result: a more aerodynamic, cooler, and faster craft.
Each flight lasts just under two minutes — full-throttle runs are capped at about 23 seconds to prevent total battery drain. But that’s long enough to prove their point: DIY engineering can still move at blistering speed.
With a few printers, CAD tools, and a lot of persistence, two builders managed to outrun billion-dollar research teams — and they’re already planning the next iteration.
The Tecno Pop 10 has appeared on the Google Play Console, as reported by TheTechOutlook, revealing key specifications and hinting at an imminent launch.
Tecno Pop 9 4G
Specs from Google Play Console
Listed under the model number KM4s, the Tecno Pop 10 comes with 4GB of RAM and runs on Android 15. It is powered by the Spreadtrum UMS9230E processor, which includes two ARM Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.80GHz and six ARM Cortex-A55 cores running at 1.60GHz. The phone also features the ARM Mali G57 GPU for graphics. It is worth mentioning that this processor does not support 5G connectivity, but offers 4G LTE.
Image via TheTechOutlook
The listing mentions an HD+ display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels and a pixel density of 280 DPI. This confirms that the Pop 10 will focus on basic performance and display quality suitable for daily use. Since the model name is already visible on the Play Console, it is likely that Tecno will announce the phone officially very soon.
Its predecessor, the Pop 9 4G launched last year with a 6.67-inch HD+ LCD display offering a 90Hz refresh rate. It runs on a MediaTek Helio G50 chipset paired with 3GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. In terms of cameras, the device features a 13-megapixel rear sensor and an 8-megapixel front camera for selfies. It ships with Android 14 Go Edition layered with HiOS 14.
It is powered by a 5,000mAh battery that supports 15W charging. Other features include a 3.5mm headphone jack, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. We can expect its successor to feature an slightly bigger battery.
DJI looks set to expand its compact drone lineup again, with the Neo 2 now circling for takeoff. Leaks suggest the updated model will bring a slightly higher price tag — but still stay friendly to casual flyers.
The brand has recently hinted at an October 30 launch event under the tagline “Everything Under Control.” Now, leaker billbil-kun says that the event will be limited to China, with the global rollout following on November 13. The short delay likely gives DJI time to clear certifications and stock up for the holiday rush.
The Neo 2’s pricing has also surfaced, showing a small bump over early rumors. The base Fly Solo Bundle—which includes the drone and a single battery—will reportedly start at $259 in the US, £209 in the UK, and €239 in Europe. The Fly More Combo (three batteries, Motion 3 controller, and Goggles N3 adapter) is said to hit $429, while the top-tier Motion Fly More Combo could reach $599.
In return, buyers can expect meaningful upgrades, including 2-axis gimbal stabilization—a step up from the single-axis tilt setup on the previous model—and omnidirectional obstacle avoidance.
Even with the price hike, it’s far cheaper than models like the Mini 4 Pro ($759) while promising far better visuals than the original Neo, and is aimed at vloggers and hobbyists who value portability and affordability above all else.
With billbil-kun’s solid leak record and DJI’s teaser already live, expect full details by the end of the month. The Neo 2 may not just fly—it could easily become this season’s go-to travel drone.
The updated 2026 Stelato S9 launches in November 2025 under the Huawei–BAIC partnership.
Features Huawei’s latest Qiankun ADS 4 intelligent driving system and 800V fast-charging EV tech.
Marks Huawei’s deepening move into premium electric mobility through its Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA).
A New Step in Huawei’s Auto Journey
Huawei and Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC) are set to launch the refreshed Stelato S9 in November 2025. The luxury sedan, positioned as a flagship under Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), showcases how the tech giant is embedding its smart systems deeper into the automotive industry. This will be the first major update since the S9 debuted in August 2024.
Although the car carries Huawei’s design and technology, it isn’t built by Huawei itself. Instead, it represents the company’s growing collaborations with major automakers to bring its hardware, software, and smart driving technologies to the road.
Elegant Design and Refined Details
The 2026 Stelato S9 retains its large, flowing sedan design but adds new premium styling touches. The front continues with Huawei’s signature “Universe Headlight” layout, now upgraded to the “Brilliant Star River” design. A new “Universe Star” emblem and a “Nebula Through-type” taillight bar give it a more futuristic look.
With a length of 5.16 meters and a wheelbase of 3.05 meters, the sedan promises spacious interiors, particularly focusing on rear-seat comfort and luxury. Customization options include unique trims, alloy wheels, and electronic side mirrors.
Intelligent Driving and Power Options
One of the biggest upgrades is the introduction of Huawei’s Qiankun ADS 4 autonomous driving system. The setup includes 4 LiDARs, 4D radar, and 36 sensors for 360° environmental awareness. This technology enables advanced driver-assistance and semi-autonomous driving features.
Buyers can choose between two versions: a pure electric (EV) model built on an 800V platform with a range of over 800 km, or an extended-range electric (EREV) model that offers up to 1,300 km using a gasoline-powered generator. Prices start at RMB 309,800 (≈ USD 43,500).
Strengthening China’s EV Ecosystem
The Stelato S9 isn’t Huawei’s first car, but it is the first vehicle co-developed with BAIC, expanding Huawei’s automotive footprint beyond its existing Aito, Luxeed, and Maextro brands. This collaboration reflects Huawei’s goal of merging AI, smart sensors, and EV technology into mainstream cars, strengthening China’s position in the global electric vehicle market.
For consumers, this means smarter, more connected cars at competitive prices, while for the industry, it signals a new phase where tech firms rival traditional automakers in innovation and intelligence.
Nothing has one more trick up its sleeve before this year ends. While the CEO previously claimed that the Phone (3) series is complete, the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite model was later confirmed, with its launch being right around the corner. But just a day ahead of its debut, the cheapest Nothing phone had its price, storage, and more details leaked. So here’s what we know.
Nothing Phone (3a) Lite Price & Storage Leaked
The latest rumor arrives from known tipster Paras Guglani, who shared the details on X (formerly Twitter). PassionateGeekz, as he’s known on X, claims that the Phone (3a) Lite 5G will debut with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. It is unclear if there are higher configurations planned, although this might likely be the case. Nothing will reportedly launch the Phone (3a) Lite in two color options, including Black and White.
Nothing Phone (3a)
In the Indian market, this device will target the budget segment thanks to its 18,999 INR price tag. Apparently, the India launch will arrive a short while after the 29th October 2025 global announcement. Meanwhile, first sales are expected to kick off on 4th November 2025. Apart from this, not a lot of details are available regarding this phone, so stick around for more.
This Next Part is a Secret
I’ve already seen the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite, and let’s say I can’t reveal a lot of details at this moment. However, I am at liberty to say that the brand will release the Phone (3a) Lite in the Indian market in an exclusive color option. Once again, I can’t reveal the color, but there’s a clue in this article already.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Oppo has launched the Find X9 Series globally along with ColorOS 16. This is the first global smartphone lineup to use MediaTek’s new 3nm Dimensity 9500 processor. Oppo has also confirmed the India launch, and a dedicated microsite is now live on the Oppo India website.
The Indian microsite confirms that both the Find X9 and Find X9 Pro will arrive in the country. The Find X9 will be available in Titanium Grey, while the Find X9 Pro will come in Silk White. Oppo will also release the Enco Buds3 Pro+ in Blue and Black, and the Hasselblad Teleconverter Kit for the Find X9 Pro. The kit includes a teleconverter lens, a magnetic camera grip, a magnetic back cover, and a shoulder strap.
The Find X9 is powered by a 7,025mAh silicon-carbon battery with 80W wired and 50W wireless charging. The Find X9 Pro uses a larger 7,500mAh battery with 90W wired charging. Oppo claims up to 69 hours of mixed use for the X9 and up to 80 hours for the X9 Pro.
Both phones run Android 16 with ColorOS 16 and are powered by the Dimensity 9500 chip, offering up to 32% faster single-core performance than last year’s models. The Find X9 has a 6.59-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, while the Find X9 Pro features a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED screen that reaches up to 3,600 nits of brightness.
The Find X9 Pro features a 50MP Sony LYT-828 main camera, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and a 200MP 3x periscope telephoto camera, along with a 50MP selfie shooter. The standard Find X9 swaps the periscope for a 50MP telephoto lens.
In India, Oppo is offering a ₹99 Privilege Pack with the Find X9 Series. It includes a Premium Gift Box, a free 80W SuperVOOC adapter (via coupon), a ₹1,000 exchange discount coupon, and a two-year battery protection plan. Buyers who skip the pack will still get the Premium Gift Box.
Oppo will reveal India pricing and availability soon. In Europe, the Find X9 is expected to cost €999, and the Find X9 Pro €1,299, both with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage.
Chinese researchers at Peking University achieve a world-first visualization of photoresist behavior using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET).
The discovery could help China reduce reliance on foreign photoresist materials and improve chip yields at advanced nodes.
The breakthrough deepens the ongoing U.S.-China tech rivalry, potentially influencing global chip prices and supply for everyday electronics.
Source: Peking University
China’s Breakthrough in Lithography Materials
China has achieved a significant milestone in semiconductor technology that could alter the global landscape in chip manufacturing. A team led by Professor Hailin Peng from Peking University, working with domestic collaborators, has developed a method to reduce defects in chip lithography dramatically. Using cryo-electron tomography, a technique more commonly seen in biology, the researchers visualized how light-sensitive photoresist materials behave at the molecular level during chip production.
For the first time, scientists were able to see how photoresist polymers interact in liquid film and at gas–liquid interfaces, uncovering the hidden causes of defects that limit chip yields. The team’s new process reportedly eliminated up to 99% of these defects under industrial conditions, marking a turning point for China’s semiconductor ambitions.
Why This Matters
Photoresist materials are essential for defining nanoscale circuits on silicon wafers. Until now, China has depended heavily on imports, with over 90% of its photoresist supply coming from Japan. By developing its own high-performance photoresist and imaging technology, China is moving closer to self-reliance in one of the most critical areas of chipmaking.
The discovery could improve manufacturing yields in processes like lithography, etching, and cleaning, vital steps for producing chips at 7nm and smaller scales. It also strengthens China’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain, which has long been dominated by companies in the U.S., Japan, and South Korea.
Implications for the United States
This development adds fresh urgency to U.S. efforts to maintain technological leadership. While American institutions such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are advancing photoresist metrology and next-generation EUV lithography, China’s rapid progress suggests a narrowing gap.
The U.S. has invested heavily under the CHIPS and Science Act to bolster domestic semiconductor R&D, including materials and lithography systems. However, China’s success in solving long-standing material science problems shows it is no longer just catching up but setting new benchmarks in applied semiconductor research.
Whats Next for China and US
China’s progress in lithography materials signals more than scientific advancement; it’s a strategic move toward technological independence. By tackling one of the toughest bottlenecks in chip production, China is positioning itself as a formidable competitor in the race for semiconductor supremacy.
For the U.S., the challenge now is to accelerate innovation not just in chip design and fabrication, but in the underlying materials science that powers the future of computing.
Garmin‘s ecosystem has long been a haven for fitness enthusiasts relying on discreet wrist alerts, but a recent app tweak has silenced vibrations—leaving notifications visible but silent on their watches. This unheralded change, tied to the latest Garmin Connect update, has ignited frustration on forums, with the company acknowledging the inconvenience and promising a fix. As users scramble for workarounds, what went wrong in this smart notification sync?
The problem surfaced with Garmin Connect app version 5.18 for Android, released on October 8. Previously, smart notifications from an Android phone—texts, calls, apps—would trigger vibrations on Garmin wearables, irrespective of the phone’s Do Not Disturb (DND) status. Turns out users valued this for silent phone use while staying alerted via wrist buzz.
Post-update, DND on the phone now propagates to the watch, suppressing vibrations and alerts while still logging notifications in the watch’s center. This affects all models, with reports on the Garmin Forums detailing missed alerts despite permissions enabled. One Forerunner 255 owner downgraded to 5.17.2, restoring vibes, confirming the app’s role. Exceptions like certain CGM apps bypassing DND still vibrate, but most users face silence.
Users decried the unannounced shift, especially those relying on watches for subtle alerts in quiet environments. Support responses initially misunderstood, but a shared screenshot reveals Garmin confirming: “Starting with the 5.18 release… DND settings on an Android phone will carry over to notifications on Garmin watches.” They pledged a reversal in an upcoming update, though no timeline was given—potentially weeks away.
In the meantime, users who find this change inconvenient may try silencing the phone ringer/vibration instead of using DND or downgrading the Garmin Connect app to the previous version.
HKC has unveiled the UG27EQ, a 27-inch gaming monitor designed for competitive players, featuring a 2K resolution and an ultra-fast 400Hz refresh rate. It is priced at 1,999 yuan ($281) and available through retail channels in China.
HKC UG27EQ Monitor Specifications
The UG27EQ uses a 2560×1440 Ultrafast IPS panel that supports up to a 400Hz refresh rate and a GTG response time of 0.5ms. HKC has implemented a new dual-direction drive circuit that speeds up pixel transitions beyond what conventional line-by-line scanning allows. The liquid crystal layer also features a restructured architecture to further improve motion clarity.
In terms of color performance, the display offers HDR400 support and reaches 400 nits of brightness. It covers 98% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 130% of the sRGB area, with 10-bit color (8-bit + FRC) rendering over a billion colors. The panel supports DC dimming and includes a hardware low blue light mode to reduce flicker and eye strain during extended gaming sessions.
HKC has integrated its DIC 2.0 motion blur reduction engine, offering three adjustable levels of dynamic blur elimination. The monitor also features a dedicated Flash Clarity mode that improves visibility in FPS games by automatically detecting flashbang effects and reducing their glare by up to 20%.
The UG27EQ supports adaptive synchronization with FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatibility to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering. It also includes HKC’s Gaming Visiondock software, which lets players create custom presets, enable crosshair overlays, use sniper zoom assist, adjust dark-enhancement levels, and activate on-screen timers.
For connectivity, the monitor comes with DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, a multifunction USB Type-C port, and a 3.5mm audio output. The Type-C port supports full-bandwidth 400Hz signal transmission, 15W reverse charging, and fast data transfer.
The stand supports height adjustment (150mm), tilt (-5° to 25°), swivel (±30°), and pivot (90°) for portrait orientation. The monitor is also VESA-mountable at 100×100mm.
OpenAI will host its first-ever DevDay Exchange event in India on November 4, 2025.
All users in India will receive a free one-year subscription to ChatGPT Go.
The move marks a major milestone in OpenAI’s India-first expansion strategy.
OpenAI’s First Developer Event in India
OpenAI has announced its first developer conference in India, called DevDay Exchange, scheduled for November 4, 2025, in Bengaluru. The event will focus on connecting with Indian developers, educators, and enterprises, while also introducing new initiatives tailored for the local market. The decision to host this event in India highlights the country’s growing importance in OpenAI’s global expansion and its rapidly developing AI ecosystem.
One-Year Free ChatGPT Go Subscription
To celebrate this milestone, OpenAI is offering a free one-year subscription to ChatGPT Go for all users in India. The promotion will begin on November 4 and will apply to both new users and existing ChatGPT Go subscribers. Those who already have an active subscription will automatically receive an additional 12 months of free access. The duration of this limited-time offer has not yet been disclosed.
What is ChatGPT Go
ChatGPT Go was launched in India in August 2025 as OpenAI’s most affordable paid plan, priced at ₹399 per month. It provides ten times more usage compared to the free version and includes advanced features such as image generation, file uploads, and improved memory for more personalized conversations. The plan runs on OpenAI’s latest GPT-5 model, offering faster responses and higher reliability.
https://x.com/nickaturley/
India’s Growing Role in OpenAI’s Global Strategy
India has quickly become OpenAI’s second-largest market after the United States, with millions of developers, students, and professionals using ChatGPT daily. The launch of ChatGPT Go led to a sharp rise in paid users, with subscriptions doubling in the first month alone. This growth reflects India’s strong appetite for accessible and affordable AI tools.
Strengthening the India-First AI Strategy
OpenAI’s expansion aligns with India’s national “IndiaAI Mission,” which aims to build a stronger AI ecosystem. The company recently opened its first office in New Delhi and is hiring local teams to focus on education, enterprise, and community engagement. OpenAI is also collaborating with government programs and educational institutions to expand AI literacy and access beyond major cities.
Rising Competition in India’s AI Market
OpenAI faces increasing competition from other major AI companies targeting India’s large and tech-savvy population. Perplexity has partnered with Airtel to offer free Pro access to 360 million users, while Google is providing a free one-year AI Pro membership for Indian students. These developments indicate a rapidly intensifying race to capture the growing Indian AI market.
OpenAI’s decision to offer a one-year free ChatGPT Go subscription and host its first DevDay Exchange event in India shows its long-term plans for the country’s AI growth.
EarFun has launched its new flagship wireless earbuds, the Air Pro 4+, featuring Hi-Res Audio certification, adaptive hybrid noise cancellation, and a dual-driver setup for $99.99.
EarFun Air Pro 4+ features
As per EarFun, the Air Pro 4+ is the first Hi-Res certified dual-driver wireless adaptive ANC earbuds in this price range. Each earbud uses a 10mm dynamic driver and an ultra-light FeatherBA balanced armature, producing deep bass, clear treble, and balanced mids. EarFun’s new Nano Side-Fitted Acoustic Architecture (NSAA) design positions the drivers at an 11-degree angle to reduce interference and improve sound clarity while keeping the earbuds light and comfortable.
Inside, the earbuds run on Qualcomm’s QCC3091 SoC with Bluetooth 6.0, supporting aptX Lossless, LDAC, and LE Audio for high-quality wireless audio. The QuietSmart 3.0 adaptive hybrid ANC system cuts up to 50dB of background noise using a six-microphone array and AI call enhancement with cVc 8.0 technology for clear voice pickup.
The Air Pro 4+ also supports Auracast, Google Fast Pair, and multi-device connectivity. It features in-ear detection, which pauses playback when removed, and a low-latency Gaming Mode with a 50ms response time for better sync between audio and visuals. Users can adjust EQ settings and manage updates through the EarFun Audio App.
Battery life reaches 54 hours in total with the charging case, including 12 hours per charge with ANC off and 8 hours with ANC on. A 10-minute fast charge provides up to 3 hours of playback, and wireless charging is also supported. The earbuds have an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance and are designed using data from 10,000 ear models for a secure and comfortable fit.
Pricing & availability
The EarFun Air Pro 4+ is available now on myearfun.com and the EarFun Official Amazon Store for $99.99.
Oppo Find X9 and OnePlus 13 go head-to-head as two of 2025’s most anticipated flagships, each representing the best of design, performance, and camera innovation from their respective brands. This comparison matters because both phones share similar DNA under the BBK umbrella but cater to different user priorities, Oppo emphasizing balance and endurance, while OnePlus pushes boundaries in power and display technology. Choosing between them isn’t just about specs; it’s about deciding which flagship philosophy suits you best.
Major Differences:
Category
Oppo Find X9
OnePlus 13
Verdict
Processor & Performance
MediaTek Dimensity 9500 (3nm), efficient and balanced
Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm), faster with better GPU and AI power
50MP triple camera, great color accuracy, Hasselblad tuning
50MP triple camera, supports 8K video, better HDR
OnePlus 13
Price & Value
Approx. $650, excellent all-round balance
Approx. $700, more premium but pricier
Oppo Find X9
Design and Display
Build and Feel:
The Oppo Find X9 offers a sleek and compact design, making it easier to handle than most flagship devices. With a refined glass and aluminum frame combination, it gives off a premium, symmetrical aesthetic. Its IP68/IP69 protection ensures strong resistance against dust and water, making it reliable for long-term use. The OnePlus 13, on the other hand, feels more robust and substantial with its Ceramic Guard glass and eco-leather option, adding a touch of sophistication and durability. Its slightly larger size gives it a more commanding presence, but it may feel bulkier in hand. The Oppo model’s lighter and slimmer profile provides a more comfortable grip, while the OnePlus 13 feels like a tank built for endurance.
Overall, those who prefer elegance and comfort may lean toward the Oppo Find X9, while users who value strength and craftsmanship will find the OnePlus 13 more appealing.
Display Quality:
Both phones showcase exceptional display technology, but they cater to slightly different preferences. The Oppo Find X9 features a vibrant 6.59-inch AMOLED panel with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, offering stunning brightness levels up to 3600 nits. Its ultra-high PWM dimming ensures minimal eye strain. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 13 raises the bar with a 6.82-inch LTPO 4.1 AMOLED display, capable of a massive 4500 nits peak brightness. Its adaptive refresh rate and 1440p resolution deliver unmatched clarity and smoothness, especially for gaming or HDR content.
While Oppo focuses on color accuracy and compact brilliance, OnePlus offers cinematic depth and visibility even under harsh sunlight. For media enthusiasts, the OnePlus 13 takes the lead in immersive visual experience.
Verdict:
The Oppo Find X9 balances portability and high-end visual quality, making it ideal for users seeking a refined, lightweight design. The OnePlus 13 dominates with a more advanced and brighter display suited for multimedia lovers. Overall, OnePlus offers a slightly more premium experience, but Oppo wins in ergonomics and compact elegance.
Specifications
Performance:
Powering the Oppo Find X9 is the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chip, built on a 3nm process, delivering remarkable efficiency and thermal control. It excels in multitasking, offering consistent performance with its ultra and premium CPU cores. However, the OnePlus 13 takes performance to a flagship extreme with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, which features custom Oryon cores and the new Adreno 830 GPU. This combination provides elite-tier gaming performance, AI-driven enhancements, and overall responsiveness that outpaces most competitors.
While both devices handle intensive tasks smoothly, the OnePlus 13’s raw processing power gives it an edge in heavy gaming and creative workloads. Oppo’s advantage lies in power optimization, which helps sustain smoother operation under prolonged usage.
Battery and Charging:
The Oppo Find X9 comes with a massive 7025 mAh Si/C battery, one of the largest in its class, ensuring remarkable endurance even with heavy use. It supports 80W wired and 50W wireless charging, maintaining balanced heat management. In contrast, the OnePlus 13 packs a smaller 6000 mAh unit but compensates with faster 100W wired charging that fills up 50% in just 13 minutes. Both support reverse wireless charging, yet Oppo’s larger battery gives it a longer screen-on time, while OnePlus’s superior speed minimizes downtime.
The choice depends on whether longevity or fast charging matters more. Oppo edges ahead in endurance, while OnePlus dominates convenience.
Verdict:
The OnePlus 13 is a powerhouse built for maximum performance and rapid refueling, making it perfect for power users. The Oppo Find X9, however, impresses with its long-lasting battery and efficient power management, ideal for users prioritizing endurance over raw speed. Both excel in balance but serve slightly different user needs.
Camera
Main and Secondary Lenses:
Both devices feature triple 50MP cameras, but the processing and optimization set them apart. The Oppo Find X9, backed by Hasselblad Color Calibration, excels in true-to-life tones, low-light clarity, and balanced highlights. Its periscope telephoto lens with OIS captures crisp zoomed shots, while its ultrawide sensor delivers vibrant landscape results. The OnePlus 13 mirrors this setup but introduces enhanced HDR algorithms and 8K recording support, offering higher dynamic range and better sharpness for professional-grade shooting.
While Oppo emphasizes color science and image realism, OnePlus focuses on versatility and video capability. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate Oppo’s detail preservation, while video creators will prefer OnePlus’s comprehensive shooting flexibility.
Selfie Camera:
Both phones feature the same 32MP selfie sensor, producing sharp, natural skin tones. The Oppo Find X9 emphasizes realistic texture and accurate exposure, while the OnePlus 13 adds slightly stronger contrast for punchier selfies. Both support 4K video recording and gyro-EIS for stability, making them equally capable for vloggers or video calls.
Oppo’s selfie optimization feels more balanced for everyday shots, whereas OnePlus provides a more dramatic, social-media-ready tone.
Verdict:
The Oppo Find X9 shines for photography purists who value color accuracy and fine detailing. The OnePlus 13 stands out for its advanced HDR video recording and dynamic shooting options. Overall, Oppo excels in stills, while OnePlus takes the lead in motion and cinematic creation.
Pricing
The Oppo Find X9 is priced around $650, while the OnePlus 13 costs about $700. The $50 difference reflects the performance jump and display upgrade that OnePlus provides. Oppo delivers immense value for money with a larger battery, an equally premium camera setup, and superior comfort in hand. The OnePlus 13, while slightly more expensive, justifies its tag with higher peak brightness, flagship-level Snapdragon performance, and cutting-edge materials.
For users prioritizing power and display excellence, the OnePlus 13 is worth the extra spend. However, for those seeking balanced performance and endurance at a lower cost, the Oppo Find X9 offers the smarter deal.
Disclaimer: Prices are approximate and may vary based on country, region, and applicable taxes.
Conclusion
Both smartphones represent flagship excellence but appeal to distinct audiences. The Oppo Find X9 focuses on efficiency, endurance, and elegant design, offering a balanced all-around experience. The OnePlus 13, meanwhile, pushes boundaries with superior performance, a record-bright display, and top-tier camera versatility. Unique features like Circle to Search, advanced HDR video, and faster wired charging make OnePlus a futuristic choice. Oppo counters with its massive battery, refined ergonomics, and Hasselblad-tuned imaging.
Verdict:
For users who value power, display brilliance, and speed, the OnePlus 13 stands out as the ultimate flagship. Those prioritizing battery life, compact handling, and consistent photography will find the Oppo Find X9 the more practical and balanced choice. Both are great, but in slightly different arenas.
As tablets evolve from bulky slates to travel-friendly powerhouses, Oppo is rumored to be crafting a compact contender that packs flagship punch. A new leak hints at a compact device wielding the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and a premium OLED screen, poised to challenge Honor’s dominance in the segment. Could this be the portable productivity beast many creators have been craving?
Oppo Pad 4 Pro
Reliable Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station reports Oppo is developing a flagship tablet powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5—the same 3nm silicon debuting in phones like the OnePlus 15. The standout feature? An 8.8-inch OLED display, blending vibrant colors, deep blacks, and likely a high refresh rate for buttery scrolling and gaming. This compact form factor— relative to the iPad mini’s 8.3 inches—positions it as a true one-handed wonder for Android users, ideal for note-taking, reading, gaming, or on-the-go editing.
Honor kicked off the Elite era with its 13.3-inch Magic Pad 3 Pro, but Oppo’s smaller canvas could appeal to users seeking portability without sacrificing power. It may launch as an Oppo Pad before rebranding to OnePlus globally, expanding reach via BBK’s shared ecosystem—much like the OnePlus Pad 2’s success.
No firm date exists, but the tablet could accompany the compact Oppo Find X9s in early 2026. This aligns with Oppo’s strategy of bundling tablets with flagships, as seen with the Pad 3 Pro and Find X8.
While details about the cooling system and overall performance targets remain unclear, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5’s Adreno GPU should easily handle most demanding tasks. The tablet could go up against the performance-focused RedMagic Astra, offering similar power in a smaller 8.8-inch form factor versus the Astra’s 9.06-inch screen. However, Oppo hasn’t revealed the battery capacity yet — a key spec for a device running such a powerful chipset.
We finally have the first official glimpse of the long rumored Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold. This device has surfaced in various leaks and rumors, and now, the brand has officially offered a preview that showcases its massive screen real estate. So let’s check it out.
Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold Preview
During the K-Tech Showcase, the South Korean tech giant had the tri folding phone showcased behind glass, mounting it as a showpiece. This was the real deal, but there were no teaser videos or render images shared during this event. But Samsung wasn’t too keen on revealing everything just yet, as journalists and other attendees weren’t allowed to hold the phone or use it, which is typical in a tech event.
Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold
Furthermore, we can only see the two Galaxy Z TriFold from the front. One is completely folded and appears like a regular smartphone, but the other is completely unfurled to show off the massive display size. While the Galaxy Z Fold 7 impressed with its super thin design, Samsung’s first dual hinge smartphone will likely be bulky. Based on what we know so far, the premium foldable will sport a 6.49-inch cover display, while the fully unfolded main screen could reach nearly 10 inches (9.96″).
It is expected to be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, with support for NFC, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. Samsung is reportedly planning on manufacturing only around 50,000 units of the Galaxy Z TriFold, with its launch being right around the corner. This is all the information we have at the moment, so stick around for more.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Elon Musk’s company xAI has officially launched Grokipedia, an AI-powered encyclopedia designed to rival Wikipedia. Released as Version 0.1, Grokipedia uses xAI’s Grok AI model to automatically generate, verify, and update factual entries. Musk announced the launch on X, saying the platform is “better than Wikipedia even at 0.1” and added that Version 1.0 will be ten times better.
The first release includes about 885,279 articles created using xAI’s large-scale computing system. The homepage, titled “Grokipedia v0.1,” has a simple design with a clean layout and a single search bar for finding topics. Each entry provides concise summaries backed by listed sources and is updated continuously through the Grok model.
Unlike Wikipedia, users cannot directly edit pages. Instead, they can request corrections or updates through Grok, xAI’s conversational assistant. The assistant reviews submissions and processes approved changes automatically. Grokipedia is fully open source, meaning anyone can use or adapt its framework.
Most of the current content is adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. However, some users have raised concerns about missing inline citations and transparency. Public response has been mixed. Many praised the platform’s short, neutral summaries and clean interface, while others pointed out missing context, factual gaps, and potential AI bias.
Musk said the release was delayed to “purge out the propaganda” and ensure balanced coverage. Despite small technical issues after launch, Grokipedia is seen as an early step in AI-driven knowledge platforms.
Grokipedia is available at Grokipedia.com, and users can sign in using their X accounts. There are no Android or iOS apps yet.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Oppo Find X9 Pro and Find X8 Pro represent two generations of Oppo’s cutting-edge flagship innovation. This comparison matters because it highlights how Oppo has refined its design, performance, and camera technology to meet the growing demands of premium smartphone users. With both models offering top-tier specs, the real question is whether the Find X9 Pro’s upgrades truly justify the leap from the already impressive Find X8 Pro, or if last year’s flagship still holds its ground in 2025.
Major Upgrades
Category
Oppo Find X8 Pro
Oppo Find X9 Pro
Upgrades
Processor
MediaTek Dimensity 9400 (3nm)
MediaTek Dimensity 9500 (3nm)
Faster, more efficient performance with better thermal control
Camera System
Quad camera (max 50MP)
Triple camera with 200MP periscope lens
Major leap in zoom clarity and image detail
Battery
5910 mAh
7500 mAh
Longer endurance with improved battery efficiency
Fingerprint Sensor
Optical (under-display)
Ultrasonic (under-display)
Faster, more accurate unlocking
Software & OS
Android 15, ColorOS 15
Android 16, ColorOS 16
Better AI integration and longer update support
Design and Display
Build and Feel:
The Oppo Find X9 Pro refines the design of the X8 Pro rather than reinventing it. Both share the same sleek aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass build, ensuring durability and premium aesthetics. However, the X9 Pro feels slightly more solid in hand, offering improved grip and better handling thanks to subtle refinements in curvature and weight balance. Its overall design looks more unified and futuristic, maintaining Oppo’s signature luxury appeal. The IP69 rating remains unchanged, but the new model exudes a more polished and premium vibe. The X8 Pro, though elegant, leans more towards a functional flagship design, while the X9 Pro feels more refined, almost art-like in its craftsmanship, giving it an edge in hand-feel and visual allure.
Display Quality:
Both devices boast LTPO AMOLED panels with 120Hz refresh rates, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. The Find X9 Pro, however, introduces a significant upgrade with 3600 nits of peak brightness, compared to the X8 Pro’s impressive but slightly lower 4500-nit output that only triggers under specific conditions. The X9’s color calibration and Ultra HDR image support deliver more vivid tones and contrast balance, making it ideal for HDR media and gaming. It’s smoother, sharper, and more adaptive, while the X8 Pro still remains top-tier for most users. The X9 Pro’s improved PWM dimming (2160Hz) also enhances eye comfort, an understated yet impactful enhancement.
Verdict:
The X9 Pro subtly improves on the X8 Pro’s foundation with superior ergonomics and refined visuals. Though the X8 Pro’s display is slightly brighter on paper, the X9 Pro’s visual experience feels more refined and consistent, positioning it as the more premium device overall.
Specifications
Performance:
Under the hood, the Find X9 Pro takes a leap forward with the new Dimensity 9500 chipset (3nm), a more advanced and power-efficient processor than the X8 Pro’s Dimensity 9400. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better thermal efficiency under load. The X9 Pro also benefits from a more optimized Arm G1-Ultra GPU, making it ideal for intensive gaming and AI-driven applications. Both phones support UFS 4.0/4.1 storage and up to 16GB RAM, ensuring lightning-fast read/write speeds.
While real-world differences may be subtle for casual users, power users will notice the X9 Pro’s superior stability during prolonged sessions. Its updated ColorOS 16 and extended software support add long-term value, making it a better choice for future-proofing.
Battery and Charging:
The X9 Pro boasts a massive 7500 mAh battery, a major jump from the X8 Pro’s 5910 mAh pack. Despite similar 80W wired and 50W wireless charging, the X9’s larger battery ensures nearly 20–25% longer endurance in daily use. It supports multiple fast-charging protocols, including 80W UFCS and 55W PPS, making it more versatile with third-party chargers. The X8 Pro charges slightly faster due to its smaller size, but lags in sustained usage. The X9 Pro’s efficiency, combined with its new Si/C battery chemistry, results in cooler and more reliable long-term performance, ideal for heavy users.
Verdict:
The Find X9 Pro clearly dominates this category with stronger performance, better thermal control, and significantly improved battery life. It’s engineered for demanding users, offering both raw power and endurance that outpace the X8 Pro’s already impressive hardware.
Camera
Main and Secondary Lenses:
The X9 Pro adopts a more streamlined triple-camera setup, replacing the X8 Pro’s quad-lens array with larger sensors and higher megapixel counts. Its new 200MP periscope telephoto lens is a standout, offering sharper zoom detail and better night performance compared to the dual-telephoto system of the X8 Pro. While the X8 Pro offers flexibility with dual zoom levels (3x and 6x), the X9 Pro’s larger sensor delivers superior clarity and depth in most real-world conditions. The new Hasselblad Color Calibration is more refined, producing true-to-life tones with better contrast and dynamic range. The overall photographic consistency in the X9 Pro feels more professional, balancing sharpness and color accuracy effortlessly.
Selfie Camera:
Oppo upgrades the front camera on the X9 Pro to a 50MP sensor, a big jump from the X8 Pro’s 32MP unit. The results are noticeably sharper and more detailed, especially in low light. It also supports 4K@60fps video recording, which the X8 Pro matches but with slightly less detail and dynamic range. The X9 Pro’s improved PDAF and AI enhancements make portraits more natural, with better focus and skin tone management.
Verdict:
The X9 Pro emerges as a major step forward in camera performance, prioritizing image quality and sensor optimization over sheer lens count. It captures more cinematic tones and excels in both daylight and low-light shooting, giving it a decisive edge over the X8 Pro’s versatile but less refined setup.
Pricing
Oppo Find X8 Pro retails around $650, while the Find X9 Pro comes in at approximately $800. The price gap reflects meaningful upgrades, a larger battery, next-gen processor, better camera sensors, and enhanced durability.
For users seeking performance longevity, improved photography, and premium feel, the X9 Pro justifies its higher price tag. However, the X8 Pro remains a strong contender for those who prioritize value, offering 90% of the experience at a lower cost.
Overall, the X9 Pro offers a more complete package with future-ready hardware that feels worth the premium for flagship enthusiasts.
Disclaimer: Prices are approximate and may vary based on country, region, and applicable taxes.
Conclusion
Oppo Find X9 Pro refines the flagship experience with thoughtful upgrades, ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, satellite connectivity, larger battery, and a 200MP periscope camera, making it one of the most feature-rich Android phones in 2025. Its design polish, performance leap, and endurance improvements create a more balanced, mature flagship feel. While the X8 Pro still delivers exceptional value and camera versatility, the X9 Pro stands as a true evolution that focuses on refinement and reliability over novelty.
For those seeking the best Oppo has to offer, the Find X9 Pro is the more future-proof and premium choice.
Samsung might be ready to pull off its biggest fold yet. According to a new report from The Korea Herald, the company is preparing to show off its first tri-fold smartphone later this week during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2025 summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, which will take place from October 31 to November 1.
The long-rumored device, which could debut as the Galaxy Z Tri-Fold or Galaxy G Fold, would mark Samsung’s next leap in foldable design. This launch timeframe aligns with Samsung’s earlier tease of a 2025 launch, but months ahead of most expectations.
Samsung was originally expected to unveil the tri-fold alongside its new XR headset, which launched last week. According to a report from last month, production issues pushed the foldable’s debut slightly back, preventing a joint launch with the XR. Still, the delay seems minimal — a relief for fans who’ve been waiting years to see Samsung finally bring a tri-fold phone to market.
Production will reportedly be limited to 50,000 to 200,000 units at launch, suggesting a soft entry aimed at gauging demand before a wider rollout. Initial markets may include the US, South Korea, China, Singapore, Taiwan, and possibly the UAE.
Pricing, however, won’t be for the faint of heart. The tri-fold is said to start at around $2,800, roughly $1,000 more than the Galaxy Z Fold7. The extra cost likely goes toward the intricacies of this ambitious design and the larger display panel.
The phone is expected to include a 6.5-inch cover screen that unfolds into a massive 10-inch display, giving users tablet-level space for multitasking and media. Expect S Pen support, refined hinge mechanics with reduced creasing, and tight integration with Galaxy Watches and Buds.
While the tri-fold will likely remain a niche device, it signals Samsung’s push to compete with rivals like Huawei, whose Mate XT tri-fold gained traction in China. If true, this could be the company’s most daring form factor since the original Galaxy Fold in 2019.
Honor has launched a new entry-level smartphone called the Honor X6b Plus in the Philippines. The phone sits in the budget category and may remain limited to the Chinese market. It weighs 192 grams, measures 8.39mm thick, and runs on the MediaTek Helio G85 processor, which offers basic performance and supports only 4G connectivity.
Honor X6b Plus features
The phone features a 6.56-inch TFT LCD waterdrop screen with a resolution of 720 × 1612 pixels. It supports a 90Hz refresh rate, peak brightness of 780 nits, and shows 16.7 million colors. The display includes an always-on feature for showing the time and notifications.
The Honor X6b Plus runs on MagicOS 8.0 based on Android 14. It comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The Helio G85 chip includes eight cores (two Cortex-A75 up to 2.0GHz and six Cortex-A55 up to 1.8GHz) paired with an ARM Mali-G52 MC2 GPU.
On the back, the phone has a 50MP main camera (f/1.8), a 2MP depth sensor (f/2.4), and an auxiliary lens. It supports 1080p video recording at 30fps, 10x digital zoom, and modes like portrait, panorama, time-lapse, and HDR. The 5MP front camera (f/2.2) handles selfies and offers beauty, bokeh, and smile capture features.
The phone includes a 5100mAh battery that supports 35W SuperCharge (11V/3.2A). Connectivity options include dual SIM (4G LTE), Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, and USB Type-C. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack and OTG support.
It also includes SGS-certified drop protection, a fingerprint sensor, gyroscope, compass, ambient light, and proximity sensors. The box includes a protective case, pre-installed screen protector, charger, and USB cable.
Pricing & availability
The HONOR X6b is priced at PhP 6,999 ($118), but early buyers can get it for PhP 5,999 ($101) along with free Earbuds II valued at PhP 1,299 ($22).
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
A new leak from tipster Digital Chat Station has revealed fresh details about the upcoming Redmi Turbo 5. The phone is said to feature a 6.5-inch flat LTPS display with a 1.5K resolution. It will come with a large 7,500mAh battery and support 100W fast charging.
The device is also expected to have an optical in-display fingerprint sensor, a metal middle frame, and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. According to the leak, Redmi has made major improvements in the overall design and build quality, especially in terms of materials and finish.
Redmi Turbo 4
Earlier leaks: Dimensity chip and launch timeline
Earlier reports claimed that Redmi is speeding up the launch of the Turbo 5 to stay ahead in the mid-range market. Tipster Smart Pikachu shared that the phone will be powered by a new MediaTek Dimensity chipset, likely the Dimensity 8500 Ultra. This chip is also expected to appear in upcoming models like the Oppo Reno 15 Pro, Honor Power 2, and Realme Neo 8.
Previous leaks also mentioned a simple rear camera design, a metal frame, and an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor. While the older report suggested a larger 9,000mAh+ battery, the latest leak confirms a 7,500mAh capacity. Both leaks agree that the device will support 100W charging and offer full waterproofing, pointing to an IP68-certified build.
Redmi is now expected to launch the Turbo 5 in November 2025, earlier than the previously reported Q1 2026 window. The Turbo 5 Pro is said to arrive later, in the first half of 2026. Following past trends, the global market may see the same device launch under the Poco brand as the Poco X8 Pro, which has already appeared in European certification listings.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
The rumor mill has been consistently leaking details about the iPhone 18 series that’s arriving in 2026 and even the 20th anniversary iPhone 20 series, which is expected in 2027. A recent leak from tipster Setsuna Digital (via Weibo) offers an early glimpse at what could be a major shift in how Apple’s devices are controlled.
According to the post, Apple is preparing to move beyond the familiar click-mechanical buttons and into a new era of solid-state controls with haptic feedback, not just for iPhones, but also for its other devices.
Solid-state buttons with ultrasonic feedback
Apple iPhone 20 series to feature solid-state buttons, claims Sestuna Digital
According to the source, by the time the iPhone 20 debuts in 2027, Apple intends to mass-produce solid-state buttons for the power key, volume controls, operational buttons and camera control buttons. Rather than moving parts, these buttons would rely on pressure sensing and “local vibration” feedback to give a button-like feel.
Prior to that, the leak says the camera control button will be simplified on the 2026-era “iPhone 18”, dropping its capacitive layer and retaining only a pressure-sensing mechanism. Following that, Apple plans to adopt piezoelectric ceramic components to provide the haptic sensation in later models.
The broader initiative is expected to replace mechanical keys across Apple’s entire ecosystem, including future iPad and Apple Watch models. Internally linked to the long-rumoured “Project Bongo”, the effort reportedly focuses on eliminating accidental inputs while ensuring a consistent and reliable tactile experience for users at scale.
As these kinds of interface changes tend to require significant validation, the leak suggests this transition is still in the research and refinement phase. The promise is durability (fewer moving parts to break) and new gesture possibilities (firm press, long hold, swipe) but the challenge is getting the tactile feedback and responsiveness right before rollout. Until then, mechanical buttons will likely remain in place while Apple works behind the scenes.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
After teasing the arrival of the iQOO 15 for the past few days, iQOO has finally confirmed its India launch date. It will arrive as one of the first Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5-powered smartphones in the country. Here’s everything to expect from iQOO’s next flagship phone.
iQOO 15 launch date for India
iQOO 15 India launch date-
The iQOO 15 is all set to launch on Nov. 26 in India. The teaser not only confirms the date but also offers a good look at one of the color variants heading to the market. In terms of design, it appears to be a refined version of what was seen on the iQOO 13.
iQOO 15 specifications
The iQOO 15’s specifications are no secret since it has already debuted in China. One of its major highlights is that it will be iQOO India’s first phone to run the OriginOS 6 UI.
The device features a 6.86-inch AMOLED M14 LTPO display offering a 2K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. In China, it is available with up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage.
For photography, the phone is equipped with a 60-megapixel primary camera with OIS support, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera. On the front, it has a 32-megapixel camera for selfies and video calls.
The iQOO 15 is an IP68/69-rated device featuring a metal middle frame and an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor. It also includes dual speakers, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, an IR blaster, and a USB-C (3.2 Gen 1) port. Despite offering a large battery, the phone measures just 8.1mm thick and weighs around 215 grams.
iQOO 15’s price in India
At present, there is no information about the iQOO 15’s price for India. However, it is likely to be cost between Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000 in the country.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Honor recently unveiled the Magic 8 and Magic 8 Pro in China. Rumours suggest that the brand is now working on the Magic 8 Ultra to rival the likes of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, Oppo Find X9 Ultra, and Vivo X300 Ultra. A new Weibo post from a reliable tipster has revealed the key specifications of the Magic 8 Ultra.
Honor Magic 8 Ultra key specifications leaked
Honor Magic 8 Ultra specs leak by DCS
According to the leak, the Honor Magic 8 Ultra will feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. It is said to pack a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with a quad-curved design. The screen will support a 1.5K resolution and include an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor. It will also support 3D face recognition.
The Magic 8 Ultra’s rear camera setup is tipped to include a 50-megapixel OmniVision OV50R main camera with ultra-high dynamic range. A previous leak indicated that this new sensor would enter mass production in the first quarter of 2026. The rear camera setup will also include a periscope telephoto camera backed by a large sensor, which may offer a 200-megapixel resolution with 4.3x to 7x optical zoom.
The Magic 8 Ultra is expected to run MagicOS 10 based on Android 16. It is also said to house a large battery of around 7,000mAh capacity. While the latest leak does not mention charging speeds, it may support 120W wired and 50W wireless charging like the Magic 8 Prov.
According to other reports, the Magic 8 Ultra will debut in the first half of 2026. It is also likely to be accompanied by the Dimensity 9500-powered Magic 8 Mini, a compact flagship phone. As for 2025, Honor is expected to unveil the Honor 500 series in November in China, followed by the GT 2 lineup in December.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
OnePlus has just announced the OnePlus 15 and Ace 6 flagship phones in China, and the rumor mill is already buzzing with information about an upcoming OnePlus phone. There have been reports that the company may unveil the OnePlus Ace 6 Turbo before the end of this year in China. A new report, courtesy of SmartPrix has revealed almost everything about the device.
OnePlus Ace 6 Turbo key specifications (rumored)
OnePlus Ace 6
Designed for the gaming audience, the Ace 6 Turbo, having the “Macan” codename, will feature a 6.7-inch OLED screen that supports a 1.5K resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset is expected to power the device.
The Ace 6 Turbo is expected to house a massive 8,000mAh battery with 100W wired charging. For photography, it will have a 32-megapixel front camera and a 50-megapixel (main) + 8-megapixel (ultra-wide) dual-camera setup on the back. It will run on ColorOS 16-based Android 16 in China.
The Ace 6 Turbo will also have other features, such as an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, an X-axis linear motor, dual speakers, and NFC. As per a new Weibo post (now deleted) by tipster Digital Chat Station, it will feature a metal frame and weigh around 216 grams. It will be available in four shades, such as Fresh Black, Electric Purple, Shadow Green, and a special customized edition.
OnePlus Ace 6 Turbo key details by DCS
While the device is almost confirmed to launch in China, the device is also being tested in India for a release. There’s a possibility that it may hit the Indian market too before the end of this year. In China, the device is expected to rival the likes of the Redmi Turbo 5 series, the iQOO Z11 Turbo series, and the Realme Neo 7 series.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Retroid has launched its most powerful Android handheld console yet, the Retroid Pocket 6. The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and is aimed at users who want smooth emulator performance along with native Android gaming support.
Pricing
The Pocket 6 comes in two configurations. The base model has 8GB LPDDR5X RAM and 128GB UFS 3.1 storage, priced at $209. The higher-end version has 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, priced at $259. Both variants support microSD card expansion.
Retroid Pocket 6 Specifications
Retroid has retained the same 5.5-inch AMOLED panel from the G2. The screen supports a 1920×1080 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The device also includes additional shortcut keys below the display for better usability. The body measures 210.4 × 86.6 × 17.2 mm and weighs 320 grams.
In terms of raw performance, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides flagship-tier power comparable to 2022-2023 Android flagships. It easily handles demanding emulators, high-end Android games, and high-frame-rate content without noticeable lag or stutter.
The console houses a 6000mAh battery supporting 27W fast charging and features an active cooling system to sustain performance during longer sessions. For connectivity, it includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and a USB 3.1 Type-C port with DisplayPort 4K@60fps output, enabling direct connection to TVs or monitors.
The handheld also includes analog L2/R2 triggers, hall-effect 3D joysticks, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It runs Android 13 and features official OTA support for incremental software updates.
Shipping for the Retroid Pocket 6 is scheduled to begin in early January 2026.
In related handheld news, Ayaneo recently introduced the Pocket Air Mini, a compact Android gaming handheld featuring the Helio G90T chip, 4.2-inch LCD, Hall joysticks, and active cooling, starting at $69.99.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
OnePlus has introduced a new range of official magnetic cases for the OnePlus 15, announced at the end of its latest launch event. The lineup includes three versions: a heat-dissipation “Custom Dot” case, an aramid fiber case, and a sandstone-textured variant. All models support the Oppo Mag magnetic ecosystem and are tailored to fit the OnePlus 15 precisely.
Design Details
The Custom Dot Magnetic Case features a perforated matrix design that allows users to insert small red silicone blocks to create custom letters, shapes, or patterns. These blocks also double as pressable elements that provide a satisfying, stress-relieving tactile experience similar to fidget toys.
OnePlus has designed the hollow structure to improve airflow and cooling during gaming or charging. The case uses polycarbonate material that retains the feel of a bare phone while enhancing protection against scratches and drops.
The case includes a built-in magnetic ring that delivers up to 10N of magnetic force. It works with the Oppo Mag ecosystem, allowing users to attach wireless charging banks, cooling fans, magnetic stands, or car mounts.
The case has passed multiple tests covering magnet strength, material endurance, and overall reliability. It weighs 25 grams and measures 16.36 × 8.03 × 1.29 cm. It uses a combination of polycarbonate, silicone, and magnetic materials to offer strength, flexibility, and conductivity.
The aramid fiber case provides a thinner and more rugged option with a high-tech woven finish. The sandstone version uses OnePlus’s classic textured design for better grip.
Pricing and Availability
The Custom Dot magnetic case costs 99 yuan ($14), or 69 yuan ($10) in a bundle. The aramid fiber case is priced at 199 yuan ($28), or 169 yuan ($24) in a bundle. The sandstone version also costs 99 yuan ($14) individually and 69 yuan ($10) in a bundle.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
If you’re looking for a 360-degree camera, Insta360 has become more or less the standard. But if the Insta360 X5 is a bit out of your price range, the company unveiled the Insta360 X4 Air today. This is a compact 360-degree camera that brings 8K video recording to creators who have a smaller budget.
Meet the new Insta360 X4 Air
The X4 Air captures 8K 360-degree video at 30fps and 4K at 50fps. It features dual 1/1.8-inch CMOS sensors that can deliver vibrant colors. But this doesn’t mean it can’t take photos. If you have to take photos, they max out at 29MP. This is lower than Insta360’s flagship models, although it should be more than enough for most creators.
While it is cheaper than the X5, Insta360’s FlowState stabilization, 360-degree horizon lock, and Invisible Selfie Stick effect are all here. The camera is waterproof up to 15 meters without extra housing and weighs just 165 grams (46 x 113.8 x 37 mm), making it 30 grams lighter than its predecessors.
The camera has a built-in 2,010mAh battery that runs for 90 minutes on 8K while charging fully in 57 minutes. Another standout feature is the user-replaceable lenses. This means you can swap them out easily if they get scratched. Other features include gesture control, voice activation, and twist-to-record, perfect for solo vloggers.
How it stacks up against the X4 and X5
The X4 Air sits below the X4 and X5 in Insta360’s lineup. While it sacrifices some photo resolution and slow-motion frame rates, it retains important features like stability and immersive shooting capabilities.
The Insta360 GO Ultra, which launched earlier this year at $449, offers a different form factor with a wearable design. Meanwhile, competitors like the DJI Osmo Nano are also targeting budget-conscious creators with similar pricing strategies.
For casual users who want to experiment with 360 content or creators stepping up from smartphone cameras, the X4 Air is a good place to start. It’s priced around $399 at launch. This is less than the $500+ X4 and $550+ X5 when they first launched. The Insta360 X4 Air is available now on the company’s official site, Amazon, and select retailers globally. It also comes with a free one-year subscription to Insta360+.
On app stores like Apple’s and the Google Play Store, there are certain applications that are designed for adults. Now, it looks like Google wants to implement age verification across the board, requiring users to show proof they are 18 or older to download certain “mature” apps from the Play Store.
Google Play Store needs proof of your age
This is according to a post on X by Artem Russakovskii, where he shared screenshots of the age verification system in action. Basically, users need to show Google proof of their age, if not they might not be able to download many apps from the Play Store. This is part of Google’s larger efforts at identifying the ages of their users on search and YouTube.
Based on the screenshots, users have several ways of verifying their age. This comes in the form of uploading a government-issued ID, taking a selfie, using a credit card, or using a third-party service. If you’re already using a credit card in your name to buy from the Play Store, we reckon this shouldn’t be an issue.
At the moment, it is unclear what kind of limitations users might face if they do not verify their age. Presumably, at the very least, they will be blocked from downloading apps designated for adults. However, if the limitations go beyond that, it is going to be very annoying.
Not Google’s fault
Now, you might think that this is just Google’s way of collecting more information on you. That was our first instinct too. However, according to Russakovskii, Google isn’t entirely to blame for this. According to him, Google is just adhering to the law. In the US alone, there are several states that have implemented age verification requirements. This is also true for other countries like the UK.
Google obviously needs to play nice with these states and countries if it wants to keep operating in them. However, for users, these extra steps will be a pain. It would be less of an issue if the process were seamless. But we’ve already seen Google’s reliance on AI has resulted in adults getting banned.
Launched in March of this year, the Google Pixel 9a has quickly become a favorite for those seeking a powerful yet affordable smartphone experience. Its impressive photographic features have also helped its popularity. To help you protect and enhance this device, we’ve scoured the market for the best cases and accessories so you don’t have to. Below you will find our top pick that will cover most of your needs and requirements.
Best Google Pixel 9a Case
For a great blend of style, protection, and a slim profile, the Spigen Liquid Air is our top choice for the best overall case for the Google Pixel 9a.
Spigen Liquid Air
$29.99
The Spigen Liquid Air’s matte black finish with a subtle geometric pattern not only looks modern; it also provides an excellent grip, significantly reducing the chances of accidental slips. This case is crafted from a flexible TPU material that is easy to install and feels comfortable in hand.
Despite its lightweight and slender design, the Liquid Air doesn’t compromise on protection. It features Spigen’s Air Cushion Technology in the corners to absorb shock from drops and bumps. The raised edges around the screen and camera provide an extra layer of defense against scratches when you place your phone on flat surfaces. It’s a case that offers substantial protection without adding unnecessary bulk, making it ideal for everyday use.
Colors: Mate Black, Navy Blue, Abbys Green, Marble Gray
If a secure hold is your primary concern, the dbrand Grip Case is second to none. Engineered with a unique micro-etched texture on the sides, this case offers an exceptional level of grip that inspires confidence when holding your Google Pixel 9a.
dbrand Grip Case
Starts at $59.90
The tactile feedback from the textured rails on dbrand’s Grip Case ensures that the phone stays firmly in your hand, preventing accidental drops.
Beyond its grippy exterior, the dbrand Grip Case provides military-grade impact protection. So, you can be sure your device is safe from everyday tumbles. One of the standout features of this case is its customizability. You can pair it with a wide array of dbrand’s signature skins to personalize the look of your Google Pixel 9a. So, this case will not only offer you a secure grip, but you will also be able to adapt it to your unique style.
Colors: Dozens to choose from, literally
Wireless Charging Support: Yes
Build Materials: Textured silicon
Recycled materials: N/A
Dimensions: N/A
Weight: N/A
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Best Ultra-Thin Google Pixel 9a Case
Among case users, there are many who want to protect their phone from scratches and scuffs without adding bulk. For these cases, the Spigen Thin Fit MagFit case is an ideal solution.
Spigen Thin Fit MagFit
$39.99
As one of the thinnest cases on the market, the Spigen Thin Fit adds virtually no bulk to your phone, preserving its original form factor and feel. The case is so slim that you’ll barely notice it’s there if the color matches that of your device. As a bonus, it integrates a magnet to add compatibility with MagSafe accessories.
This Spigen case is designed with precision, ensuring a snug fit and easy access to all buttons and ports. It features a subtle lip around the camera to protect the lens without adding bulk. While it won’t offer the same level of drop protection as a thicker case, it excels at preventing the everyday nicks and scratches that can blemish your device.
When it comes to robust protection, the OtterBox Commuter Series is a top contender case for the Google Pixel 9a.
OtterBox Commuter Series
$39.99
The OtterBox Commuter Series case is built with a dual-layer design, featuring a soft inner slipcover and a hard outer shell. Both work together to absorb and deflect impact from drops and falls. It’s a case designed for those who lead an active lifestyle or work in demanding environments. It even boasts of exceed 3x the MIL-STD-810G 516.6 military drop standards.
The Commuter Series also includes port covers to block out dust, dirt, and lint from getting into the jacks and ports. Despite its rugged construction, it maintains a relatively slim profile that allows for easy pocketability.
Colors: Black, Blue
Wireless Charging Support: Yes
Build Materials: Polycarbonate, Silicone
Recycled materials: A minimum of 35% recycled plastic
Dimensions: 164.59 x 80.51 x 14.98 mm
Weight: 81.64 grams
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Buy at OtterBox
Best Google Pixel 9a Case with a Kickstand
Maybe you are looking for both rugged protection and the convenience of a built-in kickstand. In this case, the Spigen Tough Armor AI (MagFit) for the Google Pixel 9a is an excellent choice.
Spigen Tough Armor AI (MagFit)
$21.99
This case provides heavy-duty defense with its combination of a shock-absorbent TPU interior and a durable polycarbonate exterior. It’s also fortified with Air Cushion Technology for superior drop protection. It even has magnets to support MagSafe gadgets and accessories.
The integrated kickstand is a standout feature. It allows for hands-free viewing in landscape mode, perfect for watching videos or making video calls. The kickstand sits flush with the back of the case when not in use, maintaining a sleek profile. The Tough Armor offers a sweet balance of functionality and protection for your Google Pixel 9a.
Colors: Black, Navy Blue, Abbys Green, Metal Slate
For those who like to put some premium fashion on their phones, the Bellroy Leather Case for the Google Pixel 9a is the ultimate choice.
Bellroy Leather Case
$45
Like other leather cases from Bellroy, this one is designed in direct collaboration with Google. This guarantees a perfect fit and smooth, seamless access to every feature of your Google Pixel 9a.
Crafted from eco-tanned leather, the case doesn’t just protect your phone—it evolves, gaining a unique patina over time. It keeps a remarkably slim profile yet delivers serious protection. You’ll find a soft microfiber lining inside to cushion your phone, plus subtly raised edges that safeguard the screen and camera. If you value genuine leather and precision design, this is your case.
Colors: Terracotta, Agave, Black
Wireless Charging Support: Yes
Build Materials: Leather
Recycled materials: N/A
Dimensions: 159 x 78 x 12 mm
Weight: 29.4 grams
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Best Google Pixel 9a Wallet Case
To simplify your daily carry, the Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 for the Google Pixel 9a is a nice solution.
TORRO Leather Wallet Case
$34.99
The TORRO Folio Case is an elegant way to protect your device. Made from genuine top-grain leather, it promises a classic look and exceptional durability that ages beautifully over time.
Inside, the case features a soft microfiber lining to safeguard your screen. Its true advantage lies in the utility: multiple card slots replace your wallet, and a simple fold creates a built-in stand for media viewing. The TORRO case offers robust protection that never sacrifices the sophisticated touch of premium leather.
Colors: Black
Wireless Charging Support: Yes
Build Materials: Leather
Recycled materials: 12% Recycled Polyester
Dimensions: N/A
Weight: 110 grams
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Best Google Pixel 9a Screen Protector
Protecting the display of your Google Pixel 9a is essential. The Supershieldz Tempered Glass Screen Protector offers high-quality protection at an affordable price.
Supershieldz Tempered Glass Screen Protector
$7.99
Made from high-quality tempered glass, it provides excellent scratch resistance and can withstand minor impacts. It’s a nice option to keep your screen in pristine condition.
The Supershieldz screen protector is designed to be highly transparent, ensuring that you don’t lose any of the vibrant colors or sharpness of your Google Pixel 9a’s display. It also features a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating to reduce smudges and fingerprints. The package typically includes multiple protectors, making it a great value and ensuring you have a spare on hand.
For the best wireless charging experience with your Google Pixel 9a, the official Google Pixel Stand (2nd Gen) is the top choice.
Google Pixel Stand
$38.45
This wireless charger is designed to provide fast and efficient wireless charging. Plus, it turns your Pixel into a smart display while it powers up. You can use it to control smart home devices, display your favorite photos, and more.
The Pixel Stand is a premium accessory that not only charges your phone quickly but also enhances its functionality. It comes with a power adapter and cable, so you have everything you need to get started right out of the box. For a seamless and feature-rich charging experience, the Pixel Stand is an excellent investment.
Colors: White
Wireless Charging Support: Yes
Build Materials: Plastic
Recycled materials: N/A
Dimensions: N/A
Weight: 5 grams
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Best Google Pixel 9a Wired Charger/Power Brick
The Google Pixel 9a doesn’t come with a power brick in the box. If you don’t have one at home, the Anker 312 Charger (30W) is an excellent and affordable option for fast charging.
Anker 312 Charger (30W)
$19.99
This compact and powerful charger can charge your Google Pixel 9a at its maximum supported speed via USB-C.
The Anker 312 features a foldable plug, making it incredibly portable and perfect for travel. It also incorporates Anker’s safety features to protect your device from overcharging and overheating. For a reliable, fast, and compact charging solution, the Anker 312 is a must-have accessory for your handset.
If you’ve ever been on a car trip with the family, then you know how irritating it can be if everyone needs to charge their devices and there’s not enough charging ports to go around. That’s why this deal on the UGREEN 145W retractable car charger is such a good deal. For $34.99, you get a car charger that can charge up to four devices at once. Not only that, but it has one of the USB-C cables already available as it retracts into the charger when not in use. Then, there are three other ports available, so you can plug three more cables in to charge three additional devices. Normally, this car charger would cost you $50.
That price means this is 30% off right now, and it’s the lowest price in the last 30 days. Just imagine, for $35, you could solve everyone’s charging problems for the next family road trip. Alternatively, this serves as a great way to charge several of your own devices at a time. Like your phone, earbuds, and maybe a gaming handheld if you take one with you everywhere you go. And with a 145W output, you have plenty of juice to charge everything simultaneously. It’s also worth noting that this has enough power to charge your laptop.
While you could probably find a car charger for less money, it probably won’t be as good as this one or as useful.
There aren’t many excellent phones you can pick up for a price under $500, which is what makes this deal on the 2024 Motorola razr so good and, dare we say, tempting. At its normal price of $699.99, the 2024 Motorola razr is a pretty good value, but at its current sale price of $399.99, it’s almost like you’re stealing from Motorola and Amazon.
This is a 43% discount for a foldable smartphone, which is evidence of two things. One, foldable smartphone prices are likely starting to come down to more reasonable levels, and Amazon probably has some stock of this phone that it’s trying to chew through. Either way, if you like the idea of a foldable phone but have held off because of the cost, now is the perfect time to get this one.
The 2024 Motorola razr is powered by a 4,200mAh battery that should last you all day and then some. The phone has pretty fast charging as well. So when the battery drains completely, it shouldn’t take long to power the phone back up. It has a 50MP camera for photos as well, and it comes unlocked so it can work on any major US carrier. The large cover screen display isn’t just for show. It can display the time, date, and even run several apps, allowing you to interact with some of the phone’s features.
Ah, the OPPO Find X9 series. One of my favorite smartphone series out right now. Why? Well, it’s got everything I love about OnePlus, with a more efficient chip and a more versatile camera system. At least, that was the case with the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro. Is that still the case for the Find X9 Pro this year? Let’s find out.
OPPO Find X9 Pro
Rating
starstarstarstarstar_emptystar
The OPPO Find X9 Pro takes everything we loved about last year’s model and turns it up a notch — with a sleek new flat design, a powerhouse Dimensity 9500 chip, and one of the best battery experiences you’ll find on any flagship.
Pros
Incredible build quality and design
Gorgeous display
Excellent performance
Massive 7,500mAh battery
Great thermal management
Smooth, refined software
Cons
Not officially sold in the US
No charger in the box (for EU)
Minor software quirks
No Alert Slider
The best color is exclusive to China
OPPO did invite us to London for a pre-briefing of the new Find X9 series in early October. OPPO paid for lodging and transportation, but this is not a paid or sponsored review. OPPO did not see this review before it was published.
Much like the OnePlus 15, the OPPO Find X9 Pro also underwent some big design changes this year. The curved display is now gone in favor of a flat one. The round camera module is also gone. It’s now a squircle in the left hand corner. The sides are now fully flat, and reminds me a lot of the iPhone. Which has been a trend for smartphones over the past couple of years. Not that it should be a surprise.
We have the silk white color here, which actually looks really nice. I definitely would have liked to get the Velvet Red color, but that is exclusive to China unfortunately. While the name says “silk” it is not slippery at all. In fact, that is the single biggest upgrade over the Find X8 Pro from last year, at least for me. I had the Pearl White Find X8 Pro and it was so slippery, like holding a bar of soap. So thank goodness OPPO fixed that this year.
The Alert Slider is also gone this year, which we expected. After all, OnePlus and OPPO both announced this would happen a few months ago. Not to mention, the Find X8 Ultra also ditched the Alert Slider. Instead, we have the AI Key, which opens up Mind Space. Something we’ll talk more about in a bit. The right side still has the camera button which is capacitive – something Apple still hasn’t learned – as well as the power and volume rocker. With the USB-C port, SIM card slot and speaker on the bottom.
In the hand, the OPPO Find X9 Pro does feel really good. It’s one of the best feeling phones in the hand in quite some time. Part of this comes down to the overall size as well. It measures in at 161.3 x 76.5 x 8.3mm thick, which is actually pretty small. And that’s despite having a 6.78-inch display. Remember the bezels are incredibly thin here, we’re looking at about 1.15mm.
If you’ve used an OPPO phone before, then you know what to expect from the build quality. Which is a pretty incredible feeling piece of tech in the hand, that feels nice and solid as well.
OPPO Find X9 Pro Review: Display
Moving onto the display, this display looks incredible and offers thin bezels with insane brightness. We’re looking at a 6.78-inch display here, with 1.15mm thick bezels, and up to 3,600nits of peak brightness – or 1,800nits in high brightness mode. That said, I’ve not had any issues seeing this display outdoors, and no one should, even in direct sunlight.
The color reproduction on this panel is also incredible. It’s truly one of the best displays I’ve seen in quite some time on a smartphone. I truly enjoyed watching content on this display, even on YouTube and Netflix.
Auto brightness also works very well here, though, we haven’t really had that issue in quite some time, on phones. It stayed nice and bright, whenever i needed it, and dimmed when I was in a dark room as expected.
OPPO has absolutely nailed this display.
OPPO Find X9 Pro Review: Performance
The number one thing I was excited to check out with the Find X9 Pro was the performance. You see, this is the first device I’ve used with the new MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset inside. OPPO told us in our briefing that this chip was about 55% more efficient versus the Dimensity 9400 in the Find X8 series, which is quite incredible, since that was already a crazy efficient chip. And, well that appears to be true. We’ll touch on that more in the battery life section, however.
In day-to-day usage, the OPPO Find X9 Pro did perform quite well. I never noticed it getting hot, nor slowing down. In fact, as a little teaser for our battery life test video that’s coming soon, the OPPO Find X9 Pro stayed significantly cooler than the Find X8 Pro. We’re talking double digits lower.
So performance is top-notch here, and we’d expect nothing less from OPPO and ColorOS 16.
Benchmarks
Now, we gotta talk benchmarks. This is running the Dimensity 9500 with 16GB of RAM, so we’re expecting some good numbers here, and we got just that. To be clear, each benchmark was run in “Performance mode” and after the device had cooled down to about room temperature (around 72 degrees Fahrenheit), to make sure the numbers were accurate.
Device
Geekbench CPU Single
Geekbench CPU Multi
Geekbench GPU
OPPO Find X9 Pro
3,483
10,344
29,999
OPPO Find X8 Pro
2,790
8,285
21,502
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
2,267
6,034
2,948
First up is Geekbench 6. This test will test out the raw performance of the CPU in single- and multi-core tests, as well as the GPU. This is a great way to see the raw performance compared to other devices.
Here, we are comparing it to the Find X8 Pro from last year which had the Dimensity 9400, as well as the new Pixel 10 Pro XL with its Tensor G5 inside. As we can see, the Dimensity 9500 is quite a bit faster than the Dimensity 9400 was. About 24% in single-core and about 25% in multi-core. While the Tensor G5 just got destroyed.
Device
AnTuTu Score
OPPO Find X9 Pro
3,403,118
OPPO Find X8 Pro
2,552,179
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
1,240,243
Next up is AnTuTu. This test will test well, basically every aspect of the phone. From the CPU, to RAM, to battery and everything in between. We got our highest score ever on AnTuTu here, if we don’t count reference devices. So quite impressive, almost 1 million higher than the Find X8 Pro.
The last benchmark we run here is a video export benchmark. What we do is, we load up a 60-second video into Capcut and then export it at 4K60, timing how long it takes to export. For most phones, this is incredibly fast. But the Find X9 Pro did struggle here with a time of 14.2 seconds. That’s more than double the Find X8 Pro’s time and the Pixel 10 Pro XL. This makes me think there’s going to be an update to address video rendering times for the Find X9 series in the future.
Thermals
Now, let’s move onto thermals. We have a slew of tests that we run on each device, to test out how hot they get. The first one is 3D Mark Wildlife Extreme Stress Test. This test is designed to push your device to its absolute limit and does show us how much the device will throttle. With the Find X9 Pro, we’re looking at a pretty good result here, at 112.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Yes, it is higher than the Find X8 Pro, but it also had better stability and much less throttling.
Next up is Genshin Impact. We run this at full brightness and max graphics settings for an hour and then measure the temperature. For most phones, it says under 100 degrees, and that’s the case again here, coming in at 92.4.
Device
Genshin Impact
Camera 4K60 – 5Min
Camera 4K60 – 10Min
OPPO Find X9 Pro
92.4
86.4
87.8
OPPO Find X8 Pro
95.6
92.8
95.7
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
105.8
94.6
98.7
Finally, we do a camera test, where we record 4K60 video for 10 minutes, taking the temperature at 5 minutes and again at 10 minutes. We actually got some of the lowest temps ever on this test, at just 87.8 degrees after ten minutes. So good job, OPPO, on the cooling here.
OPPO Find X9 Pro Review: Battery Life and Charging
When it comes to battery life, you won’t be surprised to hear this, but this 7,500mAh capacity battery does last quite a long time. It’s definitely a two, maybe three day phone for most people. Even for heavy users. During normal use for me, it’s hard to use more than 20% in a single day.
Now, I did take this to the Lady Gaga concert in London, which OPPO invited a group of us too (OPPO paid for it and covered food, lodging, and transportation), despite taking videos and photos for over three hours, the phone still had 20% left after that long day.
Another example is when I went to New York City for a pre-briefing on the Galaxy XR. I used the Find X9 Pro as my main camera for that event. That included taking a boatload of photos and videos as well as communicating with the team on Slack and handling emails, etc. Still, after the end of the day, I was down to 40%. Most phones would have needed a charge halfway through, so that is quite impressive.
Unfortunately, we did not get a charger in the box. I believe that this is becuase its the EU model. And in Europe, you can only include USB-C chargers in the box, which OPPO (and OnePlus) are still doing USB-A. But, I have plenty of OPPO chargers and OnePlus chargers at home, so that wasn’t a big deal. We’re still looking at the same charging speeds, but a much larger battery, so charging is slower overall. But for me, I usually plug it in overnight and unplug in the morning so that’s not a problem for me.
Benchmarks
Now, let’s talk benchmarks. For the battery, we charge the phone to 100%, set the brightness to about 150 nits and unplug it while it’s playing a YouTube video nonstop until it dies. On the OPPO Find X9 Pro, it performed quite well in this test. But I was expecting it to do a bit better, to be honest.
Device
Battery Life Time
OPPO Find X9 Pro
24 hrs, 28 mins
OPPO Find X8 Pro
25 hrs, 30 mins
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
23 hrs, 43 mins
Moving onto charging, the Find X9 Pro was slower than the Find X8 Pro as expected. After all, it does have a 26% larger battery this year – just let that sink in for a moment. Still, it only took 10 more minutes to fully charge it.
Device
Charging time
OPPO Find X9 Pro
1 hr, 6 mins
OPPO Find X8 Pro
56 mins
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
1 hr, 19 mins
And finally, we did a side-by-side battery test with several apps to see how much better the Find X9 Pro performs over the Find X8 Pro, and it blew it away. You can see that test below.
OPPO Find X9 Pro Review: Software
The Find X9 Pro is the first to launch with OPPO’s version of Android 16, which is ColorOS 16. And the company is really focusing on “smoothness” here. Not like ColorOS wasn’t already incredibly smooth, but now it is even more smooth. It’s actually really incredible just how smooth this software is.
Not only has OPPO cleaned up the code base, but also made changes to the animations to make them feel smoother. Parallel Animation debuted in ColorOS 15 last year, and now it has evolved into Seamless Animation. Which extends that parallel capability across the entire OS, to make it feel even more responsive and visually connected.
For most people, you likely wouldn’t notice a difference between ColorOS 15 and ColorOS 16, I barely noticed a difference, to be quite honest. But it does add support for Aqua Dynamics, which is basically Android’s version of the Dynamic Island. Of course, we do need apps to support, it, and very few do right now. But it does look quite nice.
One of the bigger features you’ll find here, actually debuted on the OnePlus 13s earlier this year, and that’s Mind Space. The new AI Key on the left side activates Mind Space, and it works quite nicely. Did you find something you wanted to keep? Press the AI Key, and it’ll save that screenshot for you, analyze and it help you with the next step. For instance, I took a screenshot of the tweet from University of Michigan Football advertising their next game against Purdue. Mind Space was able to identify the game, location, time and even the game’s sponsor, which is not even identified as a sponsor on the poster.
Basically, Mind Space is like Google’s Pixel Screenshots on steroids. And the best part is, you don’t have to use it, if you don’t want to.
But that’s ColorOS 16. Even smoother and faster than ever before, and it’ll be rolling out to other OPPO devices very soon.
OPPO Find X9 Pro Review: Camera
Finally, let’s talk about the camera. Personally, the most exciting feature for me, on Find X9 Pro. For the Primary sensor here, we’re looking at the Sony LYT-828 which is a 50-megapixel 1/1.28″ sensor size with a f/1.5 aperture. On paper, a pretty good lens, right? In practice, it’s a pretty good lens. Here are some samples from that primary sensor, as well as some that are cropped into 2x.
Then there’s the 50-megapixel Samsung 5KJN5, this is a pretty popular ultrawide lens for OnePlus and OPPO, and has been used for many years. So we know exactly what to expect here. It’s a decent lens, and for as rare as I use the ultrawide, it does the job.
Finally, the new addition. The 200-megapixel Samsung S5KHP5. This is a 1/1.56″ sensor size at 70mm and has a f/2.1 aperture. Because this is such a large sensor with so many megapixels, OPPO is cropping in for 6x and even up to 10x optically. Which means that the 6x telephoto lens is gone.
This telephoto lens is quite good though. I was able to get some really good shots at 3x, 6x, 10x even up to 30x. But like with most smartphone cameras, after around 30x, the pictures do look quite bad. But that’s where OPPO’s Teleconverter kit comes into play. Here’s some samples from the telephoto lens.
OPPO’s Hasselblad Teleconverter kit is a masterpiece
Obviously, a teleconverter kit like this is not new. Vivo actually launched one earlier this year with the X200 Ultra, but for OPPO, it is new. And I absolutely love this thing. It is a bit cumbersome to put on, and I hope that’s something that OPPO works on in the future. But being able to pop on this teleconverter lens and get a 10x optical zoom on your smartphone is really incredible.
You can get up to 40x optically, and up to 200x digitally. It works well up to about 60x, after that the photos do tend to fall apart.
It’s important to note, that right now the software is still a bit early, and so after you go up past 40x, the camera does freeze and crash. Hopefully that’s something that OPPO fixes rather soon. Also important to note, that after you put the teleconverter lens on, you do need to switch over the teleconverter mode in the settings. It doesn’t switch over automatically, unfortunately.
Should you buy the OPPO Find X9 Pro?
It’s hard to say if you should buy the OPPO Find X9 Pro. There’s a lot of things at play here. For instance, I do not know pricing, but if it is competitive, then it is definitely a good option. If you have the Find X8 Pro, it might not be a worthwhile upgrade. Find X7 Pro and earlier, definitely worth it.
This is a pretty incredible device, and one that I really, really wish was available in the US. But I have been using it on T-Mobile (Google Fi) here in the US for the past month, and it does work pretty well. So you can import it if you’d like.
You should buy the OPPO Find X9 Pro if
You want a great Hasselblad camera experience (OnePlus no longer has Hasselblad).
You want some of the best battery life you’ve ever experienced.
You want a great software experience with ColorOS 16.
You should not buy the OPPO Find X9 Pro if:
You live in the US (import fees will make this much less competitive).
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge is the company’s thinnest phone, and as of right now, it has a price that’s almost as thin as its design, thanks to Amazon’s currently available deal. With a price that’s nearly as low as it was during Amazon’s October Prime Day, this is definitely a deal you probably want to take advantage of, especially since this deal is for the 512GB model, making this the all-time low price for this variant. The Galaxy S25 Edge can now be picked up for $729.99. While that’s not quite as low as the $689.99 price from a few weeks ago, you’re getting double the storage for almost the same cost. The 512GB model also usually costs $1,219.99, so this is almost $500 off.
If you like the Galaxy S25 series but wanted a phone that was thinner than any of those three models, the Galaxy S25 Edge is that device. It features the best parts of the Galaxy S25 Ultra but with a lower price and a thinner body. That includes the 200MP main camera, as well as all of the Galaxy AI smarts. Another important distinction to make is that the storage amount is 512GB. This is only $40 away from the price of the 256GB model a few weeks ago. That’s truly where the value lies in this deal.
The Galaxy S25 Edge is running on Android 15 but should be getting the upgrade to Android 16 soon enough. You’ll still get plenty of awesome features out of the box, though. For instance, the Morning Brief, Midday Brief, and Evening Brief will lay out key pieces of information about your day during those times. It’s pretty useful if you like to compartmentalize your day.
Less than two weeks after announcing the Find X9 series in China, OPPO is now announcing it for the rest of the world. This is a huge change of events for OPPO, as typically the Chinese launch comes many months ahead of the global launch – not 12 days before.
The launch event took place in Barcelona today, where they announced the Find X9 and Find X9 Pro, both of which use the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset. This does not include the Find X9 Ultra, unfortunately, which will likely launch in the Spring.
OPPO is touting this phone as “The Ultimate Concert Phone,” and a big reason for that is the massive 200MP 3x telephoto sensor on the back. This year, instead of having a 3x and a 6x telephoto, there’s just a single telephoto sensor. However, since it is so large and has so much resolution, OPPO is able to sensor crop to get 6x optically and even 10x. And digitally up to 120x.
Unlike OnePlus, OPPO is sticking with Hasselblad this year, so the cameras are all tuned by Hasselblad, including the Teleconverter kit. This includes a 10x telephoto camera that snaps onto the back of the OPPO Find X9 Pro for some really incredible photos.
The main sensor is the Sony LYT-828 sensor, which is a 1/1.28″ sensor size and 50 megapixels. Providing for some really great photos, even at 1x as well as a sensor-cropped 2x.
Both phones pack over 7,000mAh batteries
This seems to be the generation that will see loads of 7,000mAh-capacity phones. We’ve already seen the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max with a 7,500mAh battery, the OnePlus 15 was announced with a 7,300mAh and now OPPO is doing the same. It uses the same size batteries around the world, including in Europe.
The OPPO Find X9 has a 7,025mAh battery while the Find X9 Pro has a 7,500mAh capacity battery. These are both about 25% larger versus their predecessors. Combine that with the 55% improvement in efficiency with the Dimensity 9500 and you have a recipe for incredible battery life.
Both the Find X9 and Find X9 Pro will be available globally beginning in early November. With the Find X9 coming in 12GB/256GB, 12GB/512GB and 16GB/512GB. While the Find X9 Pro is offered in 16GB/512GB globally. OPPO has not yet announced pricing.
OnePlus announced its new flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 15, in China, its homeland. It is coming to global markets, but we’ll have to wait a bit before that happens. Therefore, at this point in time, we still haven’t reviewed the phone, but we can compare it to its predecessor. For more information, however, you’ll have to wait for our review, which will come after the global launch. For the time being, we’ll stick to the facts. In this article, we’ll compare the OnePlus 15 vs OnePlus 13.
As per usual, we’ll kick things off with the spec sheets of both phones and work our way from there. We’ll be comparing their designs, displays, performance-related details, battery setups, camera offerings, and the last is the audio section. Let’s get to it, shall we?
The OnePlus 15 does look notably different than its predecessor, that’s hard to deny. Still, there are a lot of similarities between the two phones. From the front, they do look very similar. The corner curvature is a bit more pronounced on the new model. Both smartphones have flat displays, but the OnePlus 15 does not have the quad-curved glass approach of the OnePlus 13. It’s flat flat now. Both devices have a centered display camera hole up top, and thin, uniform bezels around the display. The thing is, those bezels are thinner on the OnePlus 15, they’re only 1.15mm thick.
Both devices have flat frames, but still different. The OnePlus 13 includes chamfered edges, and a smaller flat surface. The OnePlus 15’s frame does curve towards the edges, but only slightly. The power/lock and volume up and down buttons sit on the right-hand side of both smartphones. The OnePlus 13 also has an alert slider on the left. Well, that slider has been replaced by a customizable button on the OnePlus 15, even though it sits in the same spot as the slider.
If we flip them two phones around, you’ll see notably different backplates. The OnePlus 13’s backplate does curve on all sides, the same as the glass on the front. The OnePlus 15’s is flat, and it only curves slightly towards the very edges. The camera islands are also different, OnePlus went from a circular one, to a squarish one. They also look notably different. The OnePlus 15 also doesn’t come in an eco leather variant, unlike the OnePlus 13. All models of the OnePlus 15 have glass on the back.
The new model is slightly shorter, slightly wider, and slightly thinner. The weight of the two phones is basically the same, there’s only a slight difference. Both devices also offer outstanding water and dust resistance ratings, though the OnePlus 15 has the upper hand in that area as well.
OnePlus 15 vs OnePlus 13: Display
The OnePlus 15 features a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display, which is flat. It can project up to 1 billion colors, and its refresh rate goes up to 165Hz, but only during gaming. Dolby Vision is supported, as is HDR10+ content, and HDR Vivid. High-frequency PWM dimming is also a feature here, while the display can get immensely bright when needed. The screen-to-body ratio is at around 91% here, while the resolution is 2772 x 1272. The display aspect ratio is 19.5:9, while we still don’t have any information regarding display protection.
OnePlus 13
The OnePlus 13, on the other hand, has a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display, which is flat with a curved glass on top of it. This display can also project up to 1 billion colors, and it has an adaptive refresh rate (1-120Hz). It has high-frequency PWM dimming, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HDR Vivid support. The peak brightness is immensely high, while the screen-to-body ratio is at around 90%. The resolution here is 3168 x 1440, while the Ceramic Guard glass protects the display.
There’s really not much to complain about here, if anything. Both displays are large, vivid, offer great viewing angles, and have good touch response. Both of them are also very sharp and can get very bright when you need them to. The OnePlus 13’s is a bit sharper, but that’s not something you’ll notice at all. The OnePlus 15’s display allows you to utilize a higher refresh rate in games. You’ll be fine with either of these two panels, in all honesty. Just note that we still didn’t test out the OnePlus 15’s display at this point, more info is coming in our review. On paper, though, it looks great.
OnePlus 15 vs OnePlus 13: Performance
The OnePlus 15 is fueled by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, Qualcomm’s latest and greatest chip. That processor is boosted by 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 flash storage. The OnePlus 13, on the flip side, utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, along with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 flash storage. Neither phone supports storage expansion, in case you were wondering.
The OnePlus 13 didn’t really slow down over time. The phone still offers outstanding performance, though, granted, it launched back in January (global version). We’re expecting something similar from the OnePlus 15, too. That phone offers an extremely powerful spec sheet, even more powerful than the OnePlus 15. Not only is the SoC more powerful, but the storage is faster. We’ll have to test it out to be sure.
The OnePlus 13 did great with gaming, as it is not only immensely powerful, but it also has proper cooling. Based on the specs, the OnePlus 15 should be able not only to match that, but do even better than the OnePlus 13. Once again, we’ll have to wait and see, but based on past models, we’re not expecting problems in the gaming department, not at all.
OnePlus 15 vs OnePlus 13: Battery
The OnePlus 15 features a 7,300mAh battery on the inside, while the OnePlus 13 includes a 6,000mAh battery. To put things into perspective, the OnePlus 13 already has a large battery for its size, let alone the OnePlus 15. Both of those battery packs are silicon-carbon batteries, too, by the way. The OnePlus 13 offers great battery life, so we do have high hopes for the OnePlus 15, too.
We still didn’t get around to testing its battery, as the global model is not official yet at this point, but it has a more power-efficient SoC, storage, and a notably larger battery. The OnePlus 15 should be able to beat the OnePlus 13 in the battery life department, easily. Whether that will happen, we’ll see, but that’s what we expect to happen. That’s the only scenario that makes sense based on everything. Either way, you shouldn’t really worry about battery life on either phone, OnePlus made sure it’s all good in that department.
The OnePlus 15 does support slightly faster charging than its predecessor, 120W vs 100W wired charging. If we had to guess, we’d say that they’ll charge in about the same time. Larger battery and faster charging in the OnePlus 15 should even things out. Do note that users in the US will get 80W wired charging, almost certainly, just like they did with the OnePlus 13. Both smartphones also support 50W wireless charging and 5W reverse wired charging.
OnePlus 15 vs OnePlus 13: Cameras
The OnePlus 15 has three 50-megapixel cameras on the back, just like the OnePlus 13. The thing is, all three of those cameras have smaller sensors, not to mention that Hasselblad is not a part of the picture anymore. We still didn’t do our full-fledged camera test on the OnePlus 15, but on paper, things are not looking great. In fact, the OnePlus 13 does seem to have a better camera setup than the OnePlus 15.
OnePlus 15
The OnePlus 15 features a 50-megapixel main camera (1/1.56-inch sensor size), along with a 50-megapixel ultrawide unit (1/2.88-inch sensor size, 116-degree FoV). The third camera on the back is a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera (1/2.76-inch sensor size, 3.5x optical zoom).
The OnePlus 13, on the other hand, uses a 50-megapixel main camera (1/1.43-inch sensor size), a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera (1/2.75-inch sensor size, 120-degree FoV), and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera (1/1.95-inch sensor size, 3x optical zoom). On top of that, Hasselblad is a part of the picture, not to mention that the aperture on the main and periscope telephoto cameras is wider on the OnePlus 13.
We do already have some camera samples of the OnePlus 15 out there, in case you’d like to check those out. As things stand at the moment, the OnePlus 13 could take the win in that department, we’ll see.
Audio
Both of these phones include stereo speakers. The ones on the OnePlus 13 are actually really good. They’re not only plenty loud, but offer good quality output as well. We’re hoping to get something similar out of the OnePlus 15.
Neither phone has an audio jack, but you can connect your headphones via their Type-C ports. The newer phone includes Bluetooth 6.0 for wireless audio connectivity, while the OnePlus 13 supports Bluetooth 5.4.
Samsung is reportedly gearing up for the launch of its Galaxy S26 series in March 2025, instead of January 2025. While the lineup is expected to include the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, new reports suggest these phones could bring something special, which is support for the latest Bluetooth standard, Bluetooth 6.1.
A recently spotted Samsung chip on the Bluetooth SIG website, the Exynos S6568, could make this possible. The Exynos S6568 is designed to work alongside Samsung’s main Exynos 2600 processor and supports both Bluetooth 6.1 and Wi-Fi.
Announced in May 2025, Bluetooth 6.1 is the newest version of Bluetooth technology. It promises better security, improved power efficiency, and more stable connections compared to Bluetooth 6.0. Currently, no devices in the market offer this standard, so the Galaxy S26 series could be the first phones to feature it.
Samsung may be using the Exynos S6568 to offload Bluetooth and Wi-Fi tasks from the main processor. The Galaxy S26 lineup is also expected to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in some regions, but in most markets, the Exynos 2600 could make the Galaxy S26 series more efficient and powerful.
While official confirmation is still pending, the certification of the Exynos S6568 suggests that Samsung is planning to push connectivity and efficiency with the new Galaxy phones. The new Galaxy S series is expected to arrive with One UI 8.5, which will bring several new features and changes. Stay tuned.
Samsung’s next big software update, One UI 8.5, is shaping up for Galaxy users. While Samsung hasn’t officially announced it yet, leaked information from early builds has revealed some exciting new features in its Camera app.
In the current Pro mode, users can manually adjust settings like ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and focus to capture perfect shots. However, doing this every time can be time-consuming.
With One UI 8.5, Samsung plans to introduce Pro camera presets. These presets allow users to save their favorite combinations of settings and apply them instantly.
For example, you could save one preset for bright daylight photos and another for low-light shots. The next time you take pictures, you can simply pick the right preset instead of adjusting each setting manually. This makes it easier for both beginners and photography lovers to get great results quickly.
Image via Android Authority
Moreover, Samsung might let users share these camera presets with others using Quick Share. This means you could send your favorite camera settings to friends or download theirs to try different styles.
The leaked code also shows that users will be able to choose which camera lens – main, ultrawide, or telephoto – the preset applies to. However, since Galaxy phones have different camera hardware, some presets might not work the same on every device.
While we don’t yet know when One UI 8.5 will officially arrive, these new camera tools could make Samsung’s camera experience even more powerful and user-friendly. Stay tuned for more information.
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HKC’s new UG27EQ gaming monitor pairs a 27-inch QHD panel with a 400Hz refresh rate and a 0.5ms response time, offering serious speed at an affordable price. It supports HDR400, FreeSync Premium, and G-Sync compatibility, with full connectivity including USB-C and HDMI 2.1.
Xiaomi is leading the battery revolution. Even in its most affordable devices, battery sizes are now skyrocketing, resulting in incredibly long battery life. The Redmi 15C 4G, which we recently reviewed, has even more unusual features for a $100+ price tag.
DJI is entering the smart home space with its new Romo lineup - a robot vacuum featuring drone-grade sensors, LiDAR mapping, and up to 25,000 Pa suction. The Romo series starts at €1,299 (~$1,511) and is available from October 28.
An AWS outage left smart homes and even smart beds offline, showing just how dependent everyday devices have become on remote servers. With Amazon confirming the root cause in its US-East-1 region, engineers are calling for smarter local backups to prevent future chaos.
With the advent of nanoscale OLEDs, VR headsets, AR glasses, projectors and wearables could soon integrate screens with billions of pixels, bringing lifelike visual accuracy and increased power efficiency.
The OneXFly Apex is a new 8-inch gaming handheld powered by AMD's powerful Strix Halo platform. To be offered with an optional liquid cooling solution and up to 128 GB of RAM, the OneXFly Apex is also set for a global release soon, too.
Flashlights with additional UV light and a laser are currently trending. Nitecore is now also jumping on the bandwagon with its EDC17 model. Its design is based on the EDC2x series, but it uses a new slide switch and is IPX7-rated.
Asus has finally revealed ROG Swift OLED PG27AQWP-W launch pricing. Only available in China for now, the company has also confirmed complete hardware specifications before an impending global release.
Exactly 12 days ago, Oppo announced its Find X9 and Find X9 Pro flagships in China and the pair are now making their way to global markets.
Both phones feature MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 SoC and massive 7,025 mAh (Find X9) and 7,500 mAh (Find X9 Pro) silicon-carbon batteries. Charging speeds top out at 80W for wired top-ups, and you also get 50W wireless and 10W reverse wireless on both phones.
Find X9 gets a 6.59-inch AMOLED (FHD+ 120Hz) while Find X9 Pro goes up to a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED with the same refresh rate.
In terms of cameras, Find X9 Pro brings a 50 main...
Motorola is about to dunk its feet into the slim smartphone game internationally with the Edge 70, which is expected to be a rebranded X70 Air, a model that made its debut in China earlier this month.
As we wait for the global launch, a couple more press renders have been outed showing the Edge 70 and confirming some of its specs - the 4,800 mAh Silicon Carbon battery with 68W wired charging support, the 5.99mm thickness, the 159g weight, and the 50MP main camera.
Motorola Edge 70 in Pantone Bronze Green (left) and Pantone Lily Pad (right)
These colors will apparently be called...
Earlier this year, Google announced its latest Wear OS 6 update for its Pixel Watch lineup. However, when it comes to legacy wearables, only the Pixel Watch 2 and 3 got the update. This means that the original Pixel Watch is still stuck at Wear OS 5. However, if you own the original Pixel Watch, we have good news as Google has released the October 2025 update for it.
Pixel Watch gets October 2025 update
According to Google, it says that all eligible original Pixel Watch devices should get the October 2025 update starting today. “The rollout will continue over the coming weeks in phases depending on carrier and device. Users will receive a notification on their watch once the software update becomes available.”
Before you get too excited, no, the update isn’t bringing about new features. Instead, according to Google, the update is focused more on security updates and bug fixes. So, if you’re still holding onto the OG Pixel Watch, keep an eye out for this update. Hopefully, it should fix any bugs you might be encountering on the phone.
Also, it’s worth noting that the smartwatch is guaranteed at least 3 years of updates. This means that the October 2025 is the last guaranteed update you’ll get. This doesn’t mean that Google won’t release updates in the future. It is possible that the company could release an emergency update if there are any critical issues. But moving forwards, you probably shouldn’t expect anything else.
How to update your Pixel Watch
As Google said, the rollout will take place over the coming weeks. This means if you don’t see the update available right now, don’t worry, it should eventually make its way to you. However, if you want to check if there’s an update available, it’s pretty easy. Just go to Settings > System > System updates. Tap on the “Your watch is update to date” screen multiple times to initial the download.
Once that’s done, just update your watch and you’re good to go. While the original Pixel Watch has been around for a few years, it’s still a very viable smartwatch. If you’re just looking for a smartphone companion for your wrist, it’s more than sufficient. Otherwise, you might want to consider upgrading to the Pixel Watch 4.
Earlier this month, Honor unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the Honor Magic8 series. However, if you thought that the company was done with phones for the rest of the year, think again. According to the details, Honor could be working on an Ultra version of the Magic8 series.
Honor Magic8 Ultra details revealed
In a post on Weibo, tipster Digital Chat Station dropped some hints on the details we can expect from the Honor Magic8 Ultra. The post claims that the phone, like the rest of the Magic8 lineup, will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 5 chipset. It will also feature a 6.71-inch 1.5K LTPO quad-curved screen, support for 3D face recognition, and a built-in 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.
As for the cameras, the post claims that Honor is testing use of of OmniVision’s OV50R main camera. It is also rumored to feature a 5,000W ultra-high dynamic range solution, and a new large-bottom periscope telephoto lens. As for the battery, Digital Chat Station says it will start with the “7” figure. To be honest, at this point, we’re not sure other than the cameras, how different the Ultra version is compared to the rest of the lineup.
However, it seems to be part of Chinese phone makers strategy, which is to release Ultra-variants of their phones. So far, we know of phones like the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, Oppo Find X9 Ultra, and the Vivo X300 Ultra. So it looks like Honor is joining in on the fun.
Contradicting reports
That being said, we should point out that the recent post does contradict some earlier reports. According to past reports, the Magic8 Ultra might actually use the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset. Also, while some expect the phone to be announced by the end of the year, some suggest it could launch in the first half of 2026.
In any case, we should have more details in the coming months. But in the meantime, if you’d rather not wait, the Honor Magic8 Pro is already quite the powerhouse. It might be worth checking out if you’re in the market for a new phone.
OnePlus recently took the wraps off its latest flagship smartphone over in China. This came in the form of the OnePlus 15. But it turns out OnePlus isn’t done with new phones just yet. According to the rumors, the company is working on a phone called the OnePlus Turbo. Now, thanks to a report by Smartprix, the OnePlus Turbo specs have been revealed.
OnePlus Turbo specs revealed
According to the rumors, the OnePlus Turbo is meant to be a gaming smartphone. Based on the rumored specs of the OnePlus Turbo, there is one major difference between it and the OnePlus 15: battery.
The OnePlus 15 comes with a 7,300mAh battery, which is already impressive. However, the report claims that the OnePlus Turbo could pack an even larger battery, going up to a whopping 8,000mAh. This, combined with the 100W charging, will make the phone an endurance beast.
However, since the focus is more on performance, OnePlus could dial back on the cameras. The rumors are saying we can look forward to a dual camera setup on the back. This will consist of a 50MP main shooter and an 8MP ultrawide. This is compared to the OnePlus 15, which sports a triple 50MP camera setup on the back.
As for the rest of the phone, it appears to be more or less identical to its flagship sibling. We’re talking about a ~6.7-inch 1.5K OLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate. We’re also looking at the use of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 5. So, like we said, the major difference here is in its battery. If you don’t really care too much about cameras, then the OnePlus Turbo could make a good alternative to the OnePlus 15, especially if battery life is a big deal for you.
Coming not so soon
Smartprix claims that their source told them the handset is currently being tested in India. If testing goes to plan, the OnePlus Turbo could launch in the next two months. This is an odd time for a release towards the end of the year. However, OnePlus might be able to catch a break.
Samsung typically launches its new flagships in January. This means if OnePlus launches it in December, it would have very little time before Samsung takes over the news cycle. However, last we heard, Samsung could delay the launch of the Galaxy S26 to March 2026.
After releasing almost every detail of the Pixel 10 series ahead of the official launch in August, we’re back at it again with the upcoming Pixel 10a. There have been rumors that the Pixel 10a would launch before the end of 2025, but given where we are in the rumor mill, we don’t believe that is accurate. We do believe it’ll launch in early 2026.
With that said, we have official renders based on CADs for the Pixel 10a. And to your surprise, it doesn’t look that different versus the Pixel 9a. Unfortunately, this blue color might not be real, but we’d love for Google to use it.
Google Pixel 10a CAD Renders
We have three CAD renders to show off here. This shows different angles of the Pixel 10a, which look identical to the Pixel 9a. Now, unfortunately, we can’t confirm or deny if there is a SIM card slot on the Pixel 10a, since that detail is typically not included in CAD renders. It is included in the CAD render here, but that doesn’t confirm that it will be available on the final model when that launches.
As you can see from these renders, Google is sticking with what looks to be a plastic back that is completely flat and flush with the camera module. Google is also sticking with a dual-camera setup on the rear, and some rather thick bezels on the front. The volume rocker continues to be below the power button – the opposite of almost every Android phone on the market.
There are antenna lines on the sides, top and bottom. With a microphone hole at the top as well as the bottom. It also looks like Google has made the bottom symmetrical with the speaker and microphone holes.
Google Pixel 10a Specifications (rumored)
We’re currently pretty early in the rumor mill for the Pixel 10a, so the specs haven’t surfaced as much. But we do know that it’ll be roughly the same physical size as Pixel 9a. With a 6.2-inch display and dimensions of 153.9 x 72.9 x 9mm. That’s actually rather thick compared to a lot of other phones on the market today.
There is also a rumor that is pointing to the Pixel 10a using the Tensor G4 (same as Pixel 9a) instead of the newer Tensor G5 in the Pixel 10 series. This could be due to the cost of the Tensor G5, since it is a TSMC-manufactured chip and does cost significantly more than the Tensor G4 did. This is said to be a “boosted” Tensor G4, likely a higher clocked chipset.
Last year, Google surprised us with the Pixel 9a, outfitting it with a 5,100mAh battery. Since the phone is actually thicker, we are expecting an even larger battery this year. But, I don’t think many would complain about a 5,100mAh battery on Pixel 10a either, considering battery life was so great on the 9a.
Google should stick with the same cameras again this year, and it’ll also have 7 years of software support. Pricing should also remain almost identical to last year, at $499 for 128GB of storage.
How will it compare to the Pixel 9a?
From what we know so far about the Pixel 10a, it’s going to be almost identical to the Pixel 9a. Perhaps slightly better performance, WiFi signal, and battery life. That would likely be about it here. Along with some new colors, but that doesn’t really determine whether you’d buy it or not.
Above, you can see how similar these two look side-by-side. Really, the only way to tell them apart is going to be the colors. Though, bezels do look significantly smaller this year. We’ll have to wait for the final renders to see if that is indeed the case, as CADs are usually approximate, and not always 100% correct.
Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a Spec Comparison
As mentioned, specs haven’t really surfaced all that much yet for the Pixel 10a. So we’ve compiled what we’ve seen rumored so far, and speculated with the rest, given what we can see in these CADs, as well as how often Google sticks with the same specs.
Editor’s Note: Everything that is speculated for the Pixel 10a is denoted with an asterisk.
Google Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 10a
Google Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 10a
Dimensions
154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm
153.9 x 72.9 x 9.0mm
Weight
186g
186 grams*
Display
6.3-inch FHD+ 120Hz P-OLED
6.2-inch FHD+ 120Hz P-OLED
Refresh rate
60-120Hz (adaptive)
60-120Hz (adaptive)*
Resolution
2424 x 1080
2424 x 1080*
Chipset
Google Tensor G4
Google Tensor G4 (boosted)
RAM
8GB
8GB*
Storage
128GB/256GB
128GB/256GB*
Main camera
48MP (f/1.7 aperture, 1/2.0″ sensor size)
48MP (f/1.7 aperture, 1/2.0″ sensor size)*
Ultra-wide camera
13MP (f/2.2 aperture, 120-degree FOV)
13MP (f/2.2 aperture, 120-degree FOV)*
Selfie camera
13MP (f/2.2 aperture, 1/3.1″ sensor size)
13MP (f/2.2 aperture, 1/3.1″ sensor size)*
Battery size
5,100mAh
5,100mAh*
Charging
23W wired, 7.5W wireless
23W wired, 7.5W wireless*
Colors
Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, Peony
N/A
View Specifications
When will the Google Pixel 10a launch?
Of course, the biggest question of all is, when will the Google Pixel 10a launch? There was a wacky rumor about a month ago that claimed the Pixel 10a would launch before the end of 2025. Which we do not believe. Here’s why.
To launch the Pixel 10a before the end of the year would be a really bad decision, especially in the US. Really anything launched after October is a terrible idea because of holiday shopping. On top of that, all of the new flagships with Qualcomm and MediaTek’s new chips are launching at this time. So it would get buried. But if we take the holidays out of the equation, we are just not seeing images of the Pixel 10a. This usually happens about 6 months ahead of the actual launch. Which means we’re likely gonna see a March or April launch once again.
Device
Announcement Date
Release Date
Google Pixel 9a
March 19, 2025
April 10, 2025
Google Pixel 8a
May 7, 2024
May 14, 2024
Google Pixel 7a
May 10, 2023
May 10, 2023
As you can see from the previous release dates, the Pixel 10a is likely going to launch in March. The Pixel 9a was delayed a bit because they found an issue with manufacturing which delayed the device’s shipping by a couple of weeks. So very unlikely that the Pixel 10a will launch in 2025; however, Google has been adjusting the release timelines for its devices and software lately.
During a global conference on 6G, which is currently ongoing in Korea, Samsung had some interesting things to say. Lee Ju-Ho, a fellow at Samsung Research, said that the changes 6G will bring “cannot be expressed in numbers.”
Samsung envisions a 6G future with major changes and AI involvement
He also added: “we must change the direction of the technology” in order to illustrate the benefits of 6G. On top of all that, Lee Ju-Ho also said: “We will find it difficult to solve the various problems we face by emphasizing only the peak performance of the 4G and 5G era.”
Samsung doesn’t think that hyping up 6G’s numbers is the way to go. The hype around 5G’s performance gains, higher connection speeds, lower latency, and so on, were not the right call.
Lee Ju-Ho believes that the advantages for 6G will be “qualitative”, while he referred to native AI a “key feature of 6G”. He added that AI will be essential to “solve previously impossible realities.”
It seems like Samsung believes that reliability, energy efficiency, and security will be key for 6G, along with AI, of course. Lee Ju-Ho said that 6G will benefit an aging population and those who live on their own. How? Well, for one, self-learning AI is expected to manage the network and also fix certain problems on its own.
He added that Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), where sensors in the network create real-time spatial awareness, could be used in autonomous transport. That’s just another example.
Samsung wants to focus on real-world benefits
Samsung obviously wants to focus on real-world and social benefits, rather than hyping up numbers. Well, at least that’s what we got from what Lee Ju-Ho said during this global conference.
As a reminder, the first commercial industry standard for 6G is expected to arrive in 2029.
Yes, it’s true that many companies went out of business during the pandemic, and many people lost their jobs. However, the tech industry actually saw a surge in hirings. But it looks like that hiring spree is coming to a head. According to a report from Reuters, Amazon could be looking to conduct corporate layoffs.
Amazon to conduct corporate layoffs
Based on the report, Amazon corporate layoffs could be the largest layoffs the company conducted since 2023. The Reuters report suggests that Amazon could be looking to layoff up to 30,000 corporate positions. This is higher than the 27,000 job cuts that the company had previously conducted.
30,000 positions seem like a lot, but to Amazon, that’s roughly 10% of its corporate workforce. This will cover various departments such as human resources, cloud computing, advertising, and more. However, the total number of staff reductions hasn’t been finalized yet, but for now, it is estimated to be around 30,000.
Is AI coming for our jobs?
Many companies, not just Amazon, conduct layoffs periodically as a way to cut costs. But when there’s a surge in demand, these companies tend to hire again. However, what’s worrying about the recent layoffs is that some of these positions may never be filled by humans again.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said back in June that some jobs will be cut because of AI. Jassy said at that time, “As we roll out more Generative AI and agents, it should change the way our work is done. We will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today, and more people doing other types of jobs.”
It is true that as AI becomes smarter and more capable that jobs that humans used to do may no longer be necessary. If an AI can generate reports and summarize information in minutes compared to the hours it takes a human, it makes sense who you’d rather keep from an efficiency point of view.
But this doesn’t necessarily mean that humans are doomed to be jobless. The rise of AI represents a new industry that we can transition to. As the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens.
Have you ever deleted an important text in Google Messages and instantly regretted it? Well, you are not alone. Right now, it’s not possible to recover a deleted message. But to address the concern, Google seems to be working on an undo button for its Messages app, making the texting experience safer.
Google is working on an Undo texting button for the Messages app
As reported by Android Authority, a new beta version of Google Messages hints at a new “trash” or “bin” folder. The concept of the new folder is pretty similar to what Gmail already has. When you delete a message, instead of completely disappearing right away, it might move to this trash folder. From there, you could have up to 30 days to recover it before it’s permanently deleted. This change would be a big relief for anyone who’s ever deleted an important text by accident.
Currently, deleting a message on the app is permanent. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. There’s literally no way to undo the task or bring back the text. And that’s what makes this upcoming feature so exciting. It finally addresses a problem that’s faced by almost everyone once in their life. Messages are also used for storing important bank texts or transaction SMS, and deleting them by mistake is the fear of many. The new option will finally address this fear.
Google aims for smarter and more reliable messaging services
The latest move confirms Google’s push to make the Messages app smarter and reliable. The app already lets users archive chats they want to hide without deleting them. But archiving isn’t enough when you want to bring back something you’ve completely removed. A new trash folder or undo delete option finally bridges that gap. It gives users better control over their texting experience. It solves a real problem faced by millions of users daily.
Apple might be planning some big changes for the iPhone’s 20th anniversary in 2027. According to the latest rumors out of China, Apple is planning to do away with mechanical buttons and use haptics instead. HTC actually tried this out many years ago, and it didn’t work out too well for them.
Why go with haptics versus mechanical buttons? For one, they use up less space inside the phone. Two, they are less likely to break as they don’t have moving parts. And of course, Apple is very proud of its Haptic Engine, so this would be another way for Apple to show that off.
This report is claiming that this is going to be the biggest design shake up for the iPhone since the 2017 iPhone X, which was Apple’s ten year anniversary for the iPhone. And it drastically changed the look of the iPhone.
iPhone’s 20th anniversary is still two years away
Despite all of the rumors we are seeing today about the 20th anniversary iPhone, it is still a solid two years away from launching. So we’re likely gonna see some more changes in the rumor mill before it actually launches in 2027. Apple is likely still actively working on it, and changing the hardware to meet whatever goals that they have.
There are also rumors about Apple using a wraparound display with the edges of the screen merging into the button zones. This is also something an Android OEM had tried in the past. Xiaomi did this many years ago too on a concept phone (a concept phone that was actually sold, however). Though, Xiaomi never followed up with another one, so it must not have done all that well.
The smartphone candy bar form factor has been around for more than a decade. But realistically, we don’t think the form factor is sticking around for the foreseeable future. That begs the question of, if not this form factor, then what? That’s something Motorola is exploring, according to a recently discovered patent that suggests a phone that can be worn as a watch.
Motorola has a patent for a phone that can be worn as a watch
Based on the patent images, it looks like Motorola has come up with an idea for a phone that can transform into a watch. Believe it or not, this is actually not the first time Motorola has come up with this idea. Back in 2023, the company took the wraps off a concept phone with a bendable display and body that can be bent around the wearer’s wrist.
However, there is a difference between Motorola’s concept and this patent. For starters, the patent suggests that the phone could feature some kind of retractable display. This means that when the display is fully retracted, it’s small enough to fit on your wrist. However, it can then be expanded to become a phone.
The patent talks about the frame structure needed to support the retractable design. However, it stops short of mentioning things like display size, connectivity options, battery, and most importantly, cameras. It’s actually a pretty cool concept on paper. But honestly, it seems unlikely that it will ever see the light of day.
While patents sometimes act as clues for what a company has planned for the future, it is never a guarantee that these patents become actual commercial products.
The future of communications
Like we said, we don’t think candy bar shaped smartphones are going to continue being the standard of mobile phone design. In fact, with the rise of AI, some believe that we may even transition to devices without a display.
We’ve already seen some companies attempt these AI-first devices, like Rabbit, and Humane. However, neither of these devices really took off. We’re also hearing that OpenAI’s Sam Altman is working with legendary former Apple designer, Jony Ive, to create some kind of communications device.
It’s too early to tell how that will turn out, but what do you think? What kind of device can you imagine replacing our smartphones in the future?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is tipped to bring some major improvements to the table. The information comes from DealSite, as the source claims the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will get a major battery boost.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 could bring major improvements, including a battery boost
It is said to feature a 5,000mAh battery, a considerable upgrade from the 4,400mAh battery inside the Galaxy Z Fold 7. For comparison’s sake, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 competitors have larger battery packs. The OPPO Find N5, for example, comes with a 5,600mAh battery, and it offers a lot better battery life.
The battery life boost is not the only improvement mentioned, though. Samsung is also aiming to improve the display crease situation. The company plans to adopt the so-called laser-drilled metal plate technology. Apple will use something similar for its foldable iPhone.
Another area of improvement is mentioned in the report… the stylus. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 will, allegedly, be compatible with a stylus. Samsung removed the stylus compatibility this year, with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, after first introducing it to its foldables back in 2021 with the Galaxy Z Fold 3.
Stylus support could also be making a comeback
Samsung made that move to make the Galaxy Z Fold 7 thinner. Well, it’s possible that the company figured out how to get the best of both worlds, which is why the Galaxy Z Fold 8 may get stylus support. It’s hard to imagine Samsung making its devices thicker just for the sake of stylus support.
The arrival of the first foldable iPhone may really push Samsung to make some major improvements to its book-style foldable. Competition is good, as it pushes innovation. The first foldable iPhone is tipped to arrive next year, though we may have to wait longer than that, it all depends on which rumor you choose to believe.
As a reminder, Samsung’s very first tri-fold smartphone made its first public appearance recently. It’s expected to get a full launch later this week, though nothing has been confirmed just yet.
AI is surely integrating itself into our daily lives. Gone are the days when we had to learn the whole Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides toolkit just for creating presentations. With the new update, Google is rolling out a new version of the Gemini tool that can create powerful presentations for you. All you have to do is type the prompt and upload relevant files, and the tool will then turn it into slides.
Google Gemini can now generate presentations from texts or files
The new update is now available for Gemini Pro users and is expected to be released to free users soon. Once updated, users can access the “Canvas” tab on the Gemini website, give it a topic or prompt, and attach relevant files. Gemini then generates a complete presentation based on the given input. It also matches the theme and visual effect throughout the slides for a more appealing and professional look.
Users can export the generated presentation directly to Google Slides. There, they can make small changes, such as editing text or rearranging slides. This makes it much easier for students, office workers, or anyone who needs to build a presentation fast.
Google says that the tool is backed by Gemini’s powerful AI
Google says that the Canvas feature uses the same AI that powers Gemini’s writing and reasoning abilities, but now applies to design and layout. The Canvas tool will show the instructions on one side and the results on the other. This process is done so that the user can see changes instantly. This side-by-side layout helps users easily adjust prompts to get better slides without switching screens.
Moreover, the feature is currently rolling out in batches. Only a limited group of users has access to the feature. A broader rollout is expected to take place in the coming days. You can log in to the Gemini website to see if the feature is available.
With so many smartphone makers getting rid of the charger in the box, it’s always a good idea to pick up a couple of spare chargers, because you really never know when you’ll need them. Thankfully, Amazon almost always has a lot of them available on sale. Here are the best USB-C chargers that are on sale right now.
Baseus 140W USB-C Charger
– $49.99
This charger has 140W of power with 3 USB-C and a USB-A port. It’s a GaN charger, making it much smaller than other chargers with the same power.
Buy from
Editor's Choice
Baseus Enercore CJ11
– $59
This charger has a retractable USB-C cable as well as two USB-C ports available for charging. With a total output of 67W.
Buy from
Anker 45W USB-C Charger
– $15.99
Charge up with this Anker USB-C charger at up to 45W, fast enough to max out the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Buy from
Anker Nano 30W USB-C Charger
– $13.99
This tiny charger can charge at up to 30W, and its just $14.
Buy from
Editor's Choice
Baseus Nomos 8-in-1 Charging Station
– $42.99
This charging station is perfect for those with lots of devices to charge. With three AC outlets, 4 USB-C and a MagSafe wireless charger all available.
Buy from
Belkin 45W USB-C Charger
– $14.99
Belkin has its own USB-C PD3.1 PPS Fast Charger that can charge up to 45W, which will max out the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Buy from
Editor's Choice
Anker 737 Power Bank
– $75
This massive power bank has 24,000mAh capacity battery that should keep you going for a few days.
Xiaomi introduced its next iteration of Android 16-based skin, the HyperOS 3, alongside the Xiaomi 15T series last month. It promised that the stable release would kick off starting from October. Standing on its promise, Xiaomi has now announced that the HyperOS 3 global rollout has begun with the Xiaomi 15T. The new version features a redesigned interface, AI enhancements, new system-wide animations, and privacy improvements.
Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3 global rollout begins
Xiaomi, on X, has announced that the global rollout of HyperOS 3 has kicked off, with the Xiaomi 15T series being the first wave of devices to receive the new version. The company mentioned that the update will hit users in a phased manner. This means you should see it hitting your devices over the next few days.
It’s possible that the Xiaomi 15T and 15T Pro users who signed up for the global beta program could be the first to receive the stable HyperOS 3. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 15 series and Redmi K80 lineup were the first to receive the stable update in China.
HyperOS 3 brings a new design, AI enhancements, and more
Xiaomi clarified that it’s working hard to bring the HyperOS 3 update to more devices as per the global schedule. After the Xiaomi 15T series, the Xiaomi MIX Flip, the Redmi Note 14 series, the POCO F7 lineup, Xiaomi Pad 7 tablets, Xiaomi Pad Mini, and a range of wearables are set to get the update between October and November timelines.
The HyperOS 3 rollout will stretch through March 2026, with older models getting the update last. The new iteration brings HyperIsland, which shows live activities of apps and notifications for calls, music, charging, and schedules. It brings deeper Google Gemini integration for system-wide AI capabilities. It’s also improving data protection through Unified Authentication Service, on-device, and cloud privacy computing.
Samsung may be forced to hike the prices of Galaxy phones, including the Galaxy S26 series. A new report highlights the reasons that could force Samsung to increase prices across its IT products, including smartphones and laptops.
According to Hankyung (via Jukan), Samsung is facing cost-increase pressure, which would result in a price hike in Galaxy phones and laptops. Memory and inflation are among the key reasons behind a potential increase in prices.
Galaxy S26 series will launch early next year, and Samsung is betting everything on the Exynos 2600 chipset. If the in-house SoC is used, the company will manage to keep the prices unchanged, without passing on to buyers.
Almost every merchant related to the electronics industry reiterated the fact that DRAM prices have doubled in a month and are skyrocketing. People familiar with the matter believe the prices won’t go down anytime soon.
Samsung Galaxy S25, S25 Plus and S25 Ultra
Industry insiders estimate that the memory-flation will continue until 2027-2028. Given the rapid rise of AI, the supply and prices of DRAM are peaking. It also affects the bill of materials as memory is a key spec in mobile devices.
HBM chips are almost five to six times more expensive than regular DRAM, and that’s why manufacturers are focusing on high bandwidth memories. It makes the general-purpose DRAM supply insufficient, leading to a price jump.
Memory-flation is a term that comprises memory + inflation in the industry. It applies when the price of complete IT products like phones and PCs rises following the surge in memory semiconductor prices, which has begun in earnest.
Samsung’s October 2025 security update is now available for Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra in various markets. The firmware was released first in Southeast Asian markets, before the recent expansion to India.
October 2025 patch follows the recent One UI 8 update rollout for the Galaxy S22 series. While the previous release was a major one, users shouldn’t expect a significant update until the second quarter of next year.
Well, the new update isn’t useless either.
It includes stability and reliability enhancements to elevate your phone’s behaviour. Samsung has patched 34 CVEs and SVEs and included the improvements in the October patch. You can check the changelog and build versions below:
Changelog:
Stability and reliability
Device behavior has been improved
Software versions:
S908EXXUCGYJ1 – Galaxy S22 Ultra
S906EXXUCGYJ1 – Galaxy S22 Plus
S901EXXUCGYJ1 – Galaxy S22
October patch is coming as an over-the-air update, which doesn’t require manual installation. You can easily update the software by navigating through Settings, followed by Software update, and Download and install.
One UI 8.5 is expected to be available by June 2026. It will bring plenty of new features and a frosted glass user interface. Samsung is testing new changes and features internally, and the official reveal is slated for Unpacked next year.
One UI 8 was the last major OS upgrade for the Galaxy S22 series. The flagship lineup was released in early 2022 and supported four years of OS upgrades. Starting with Android 13, it has received 4 Android upgrades until Android 16.
Now, Samsung will provide another year of regular security patches. You can expect a category demotion by the end of February 2026. Your device will be shifted to the Quarterly updates cycle for another year of security patches.
Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold phone is on display at the K-Tech Showcase before the APEC CEO Summit in South Korea. The company is displaying an unfinished device, with market arrival scheduled for the end of the year.
While Samsung didn’t let visitors touch or use the device, we’ve exclusive videos right from the launchpad. Korean media outlets Chosun and Dailian have published real-life images, and tipster Ice Universe posted the showcase video.
It is reported that the TriFold has a nearly invisible screen crease. Samsung has already nailed the screen visibility with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and it would be interesting to see how the TriFold takes the crease control further.
Source – Dailian
The Z TriFold is placed inside a glass box, which displays a visual clip. It shows the phone in its folded state along with a visualization of unfolding. The cover screen offers a regular phone-like experience, while the full view acts like a tablet.
Here's the Galaxy Z TriFold phone Samsung showcased at APEC Summit in South Korea
Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold phone comes with a dual-hinge design to function in the triple-folding form factor. It practically features two foldable panels, which turn into a tablet-sized appearance when completely unfolded.
Galaxy Z TriFold is based on Samsung Display’s Flex G prototype, whose screens fold inward. Korean media reports that Samsung’s TriFold has overcome the technological limitations that caused durability concerns.
The Korean tech giant is expected to have a brief session regarding its TriFold during the APEC CEO Summit on October 31 and November 1. The official reveal is expected in late November or early December in select markets.
Adobe MAX kicks off this week and, historically, that has meant a large drop of updates across the company's portfolio of apps. That is technically true this year too, but everything is revolving around AI -- and sometimes, that doesn't even mean Adobe's own technology.
A team of scientists and artists sent a modified Insta360 camera to the edge of space, capturing breathtaking images meant to inspire people to reconnect with Earth.
A U.S. Air Force Reserve Crew from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the "Hurricane Hunters," made multiple passes inside Hurricane Melissa capturing astonishing footage that showcases the "stadium effect."
MagicX has presented its first clamshell gaming handheld. Launching for less than $100, the MagicX One Flip 50 will compete with the existing Retroid Pocket Flip 2 but at a much lower price point.
Unlike the Ti version with 12 GB, Nvidia’s RTX 5070 (non-Ti) only comes with 8 GB of VRAM — a spec that’s sparked plenty of online debate about its future-proofing, and understandably, some concern. Our test unit, the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 16IAX10 with an RTX 5070, offers some useful insight into how much VRAM might actually be “enough.”
The Insta360 X4 Air is the company’s latest 8K 360° action camera that comes with a compact and lightweight form factor. Advertised as the brand’s lightest-ever action camera, the Insta360 X4 Air features dual 1/1.8-inch CMOS sensors and a 2,010 mAh battery, which is said to offer 100 minutes of runtime. On top of that, the action camera is compatible with most X5 accessories.
PNY has a new, exceptionally fast SSD on offer that won't break the bank. It promises data transfer rates of up to 14,900 MB/s and utilizes 3D flash storage.
New details about the DJI Neo 2 have emerged online shortly before the compact drone's official release. Not only has a reliable source shared updated pricing information for three key markets, but it has also shared a global launch date for the first time.
Samsung is expected to follow up the Galaxy Z Fold 7 with the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 in 2026. According to the latest rumors, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 foldable is said to bring a whole host of improvements, including a bigger battery than the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and a display without any crease.
Sidephone has just unveiled its new Sundial Keypad for the SP-01 - a modular music controller with nine reprogrammable buttons and support for custom silicone cases. Priced at $29, it'll ship with first devices in January 2026.
Deal | If you're looking for an indie horror game for Halloween, this highly rated title on Steam from Two Star Games is currently 85% off. But be warned, because this offer ends in a few days.
The iPhone is turning 20 in 2027 and Apple will mark the anniversary with a special iPhone 20 release. We’ve already heard about the big redesign with its sloping display bezels that are supposed to make the device look like a single piece of glass when viewed from the front. We now get an additional report that suggests some major camera upgrades as well.
The 2027 iPhone model – likely the Pro variant will reportedly bring Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor (LOFIC) camera sensor. In short, this means the cameras will capture more light per pixel, leading to higher dynamic range and...
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 isn’t expected to debut until next year, but rumors about the upcoming foldable are already making the rounds. The latest leak sheds light on its display specifications and battery capacity.
According to the leak, the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold8 will use a new ‘laser-drilling metal plate technology’ for its hinge, which is said to reduce the display crease. The same technology will also be used on the rumored iPhone Fold.
The leak also states that the foldable will pack a battery with a capacity over 5,000mAh. Notably, the current Galaxy Z Fold7 has a 4,400mAh...
Multiple reports in recent times claimed that Apple is cutting production of the iPhone Air unveiled last month, with one even claiming that this sleek iPhone had entered almost end-of-production mode. However, a new report contradicts those claims.
In a note to investors on October 26, TD Cowen said Apple isn't reducing the number of iPhone Air units it will produce in 2025. TD Cowen's report states that the iPhone Air forecasts for October remain unchanged.
The forecasts for the iPhone Air remain at 3 million for Q3 2025 and at 7 million for Q4 2025. The September quarter builds...
While not exactly launched as tipped yesterday, Samsung did showcase its tri-fold smartphone at the 2025 K-Tech Showcase event. The device, which still does not have an official name, was seen at the Samsung booth behind a protective glass display case. Attendees were not allowed to touch or hold the device.
Samsung tri-fold prototype (image: Park Ji-min)
South Korea’s ChosunMedia shared images of the device, which reveal its folded and fully unfolded states. We say it is fully unfolded as it features two hinges allowing it to stretch its display diagonal up to 10 inches.
In its...
Samsung has just shown off its first tri-fold smartphone ahead of its launch. Sounds confusing? Well, it kind of is. The company showed off the device sitting under glass during the K-Tech Showcase in Korea.
The K-Tech Showcase is kind of a side event of the APEC Summit, which is taking place October 31-November 1. The phone is tipped to get a full reveal during the APEC Summit, so we could be only days away from that happening. This appearance at the K-Tech Showcase certainly points in that direction.
Samsung’s first tri-fold phone just made its first public appearance
In any case, the device is shown here, but only its front side, it could be reflective of a device that is coming soon. It’s shown in full unfolded, and fully folded formats. Several sources shared these images, and that includes Ice Universe and The Chosun. You can see the device in the gallery below.
When fully folded, the phone will feature a 6.5-inch display, allegedly, as shown above. When completely extended, you’ll get a 10-inch display to use. You’ll notice that a display camera hole is all unfolding levels, basically.
The phone will have a middle-of-the-road unfold state, too. It is expected to offer an 8-inch display in that state. So it’ll essentially be a tiny table when unfolded once.
The device is expected to launch soon, possibly later this week
This is what Samsung said to SamMobile, in a statement: “Samsung continues to advance innovative technologies, including next-generation form factors in the era of mobile AI, to deliver meaningful user experiences. The recent showcase reflects ongoing R&D efforts, and we plan to bring this next generation device to users within this year.”
From that statement, one might think Samsung is saying this is just a prototype, not the real thing. Well, it could be, though if the device is coming in only a couple of days, that doesn’t make much sense. Either way, Samsung once again confirmed that the real tri-fold announcement is right around the corner.
Samsung has now dropped the One UI 8 Watch Beta 3 update for the Galaxy Watch 6 and Classic. The company is running a Beta Program in South Korea, with users are now getting a new Beta four weeks after the second release.
One UI 8 Watch Beta 3 brings crucial bug fixes to the Galaxy Watch 6. This update targets voice recording and media controller functions. It’s an important release that brings users closer to the Stable One UI 8 Watch update.
Samsung’s One UI 8 Watch is built on Google’s Wear OS 6. It’s a successor to the One UI 6 Watch, as One UI 7 Watch term was not utilized. The OS introduces a new tile system that delivers important updates at a glance.
The Stable update has already rolled out to the Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra 2024. The company didn’t take much time for the Watch Ultra, but Watch 7’s testing lasted longer; but it won’t be the case for the Watch 6.
With the third Beta, Samsung has addressed issues related to audio recording and media controller. Users who reported issues with these two aspects will now have a better experience, with even more enhancements likely included.
Changelog
Improved performance issues
Fixed the voice recording not operating normally
Fixed the media controller not operating normally
If you’ve participated in the Beta Program and are running the second Beta, you would have received the third Beta OTA. Access it using the Wearable app; follow the steps: Watch settings > Watch software update > Download and install.
Galaxy watch 6 series beta 3 released
Fixing performance issues
– Fixed the issue where audio recording was not working properly.
Google Messages will soon integrate a “Trash” folder, an idea inspired by Samsung’s Recycle Bin feature.
Galaxy phones prioritize Google Messages, instead of Samsung Messages, to offer modern chat features like RCS. However, Google’s native messaging app is still evolving, and Samsung is playing a key role, indeed indirectly.
Google Messages app’s latest Beta shows signs of an upcoming Recycle Bin-like “Trash” feature. It will help users recover deleted chats, just like Gmail. The app will keep deleted chats stored in a separate memory for 30 days.
Samsung Messages has the same feature as the Recycle Bin. When you delete a chat, it goes right to the Recycle Bin, a dedicated folder. You have 30 days to restore the deleted chat; otherwise, it will be permanently wiped out.
Google Messages prioritizes the term “Trash Folder” for this feature, similar to Files by Google. Leaked code snippets suggest the “Trash Folder” will be put on the task to store recoverable “Trashed Conversations.”
All in all, Samsung users are going to benefit much from this feature. It will effectively safeguard messages and prevent the loss of accidental removals.
While Samsung Messages has had it for years, Google’s version is in early stages. The current development is limited to code snippets, and we could see a preview of this feature in the next Beta builds of the application.
Let’s see when Google Messages begins the rollout of its trash folder.
Deal | The 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard Mecha Break edition can now be purchased for almost 50% off its launch price. The three-month-old mechanical keyboard has an 87-key layout, up to 300 hours of battery life, and comes with 21 extra keycaps.
Qwertykeys has started teasing its upcoming mechanical keyboard with a built-in display, the QK65 MK3. Unlike most recent models that show only system info, this retro-style keyboard lets users play mini games directly on the screen.
8BitDo has begun accepting pre-orders for the 8BitDo Retro 68 Keyboard - NES 40th Limited Edition, its first keyboard with a 68-key layout. While it won't ship until January 2026, those who pre-order it will get a NES-inspired companion accessory worth $50.
EarFun's Air Pro 4+ earbuds combine dynamic and balanced armature drivers to deliver high-resolution audio with adaptive AI noise cancellation using six microphones. Powered by Qualcomm's QCC3091 SoC, they support the aptX Lossless and LDAC codecs.
Tesla has issued a recall of 12,963 vehicles across its Model 3 and Model Y lines due to a defect that could lead to a sudden loss of drive power. The recall is officially filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under number 25V690.
There’s been no shortage of rumors surrounding Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series, with the latest one suggesting a potential delay in its launch. Now, a new leak indicates that the lineup could debut with an Exynos connectivity chip.
A new Samsung Exynos S6568 chipset has been listed on the Bluetooth qualified products website. It has been described as a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi companion chip with Bluetooth 6.1 support that’s meant to be used with an Exynos SoC.
No other details are available at the moment, but it is likely that the Galaxy S26 lineup could use the S6568 companion...
Earlier this month, Motorola listed the X70 Air on the Lenovo China website, but did not reveal pricing or availability details. The company has now confirmed the pricing of its new ‘Air’ phone.
The Moto X70 Air is priced at CNY 2,399 ($340) for the 12GB/256GB variant, whereas the 12GB/512GB option will cost you CNY 2,699 ($380). The phone is available in Bronze Green, Gadget Gray, and Lily Pad colors.
Pre-orders for the phone are currently live on the Lenovo China website, with sales set to start on October 31.
The Moto X70 Air is 5.99mm thin and weighs just 159g. It is powered...
If you write with any large-language model, ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or the dozen niche tools that pop up every month, you’ve surely run into the same brick wall: AI detectors. Classmates whisper about GPTZero, professors swear by Turnitin’s AI meter, and agencies quietly copy-paste everything into Copyleaks before they publish. Nothing drains the fun out of automated drafting faster than a bright-red “99% AI-written” label.
That tension is why “AI humanizers” now headline software round-ups and TikTok tutorials alike. The promise is simple: paste your machine-written paragraph in, click “Humanize,” and out comes prose that sounds like you after two coffees and zero robots. The reality is more nuanced, but some platforms really do trip up leading detectors at least most of the time.
Below you’ll find a practical, evidence-based look at the field as it stands. I’ve narrowed the spotlight to three tools that consistently beat GPTZero, Turnitin, and Copyleaks in independent side-by-side tests: Smodin: https://smodin.io/ai-humanizer, Undetectable.ai’s Rewrite module, and HIX Rewrite+ (formerly HIX Covert). You’ll also learn why “passing the detectors” is never just about software and how to keep your words both honest and invisible to the bots.
How AI Detectors Actually Flag Your Text
Before judging humanizers, it helps to know what they’re hiding. Modern detectors rely on two core signals:
– Statistical fingerprints. Language models like GPT use certain phrase patterns, function-word frequencies, and sentence-length distributions that differ from human baselines. Detectors train other models to spot those quirks.
– Burstiness vs. perplexity. Human writing jumps around: a short fragment here, a multi-clause monster there. AI tends to coast in a tighter range. Detectors score that smoothness as “low burstiness” and raise alarms.
Turnitin and Copyleaks layer plagiarism checks and cross-document comparisons on top, but the heartbeat is still pattern analysis. Break the patterns, and you drop the detection score.
The Three Front-Runners in 2025
After combing through dozens of platforms and running them against fresh detector builds released this fall, three names consistently floated to the top in both reliability and usability. Each excels at a slightly different mix of speed, linguistic nuance, and detector-dodging “stealth” scores, which is why they’ve become staples in student Discords, freelance Slack channels, and small-agency content workflows. Below you’ll find a closer look at what sets Smodin, Undetectable.ai, and HIX Rewrite+ apart, along with the blind-test data that earned them front-runner status.
Smodin AI Humanizer
Smodin bills itself as the Swiss Army knife of writing tools generator, paraphraser, detector, and, crucially, a “humanizer” that rewrites machine text to sound organic. It supports 100+ languages, which matters if you write bilingual essays or global marketing copy. In four October blind tests run by freelance reviewers, Smodin’s rewrite dropped GPTZero scores from an average of 83% AI to 12%. Turnitin’s AI index fell below its 20-percent “possible AI” threshold in three of four samples. Copyleaks still caught one technical paragraph (likely due to jargon repetition), but overall accuracy hovered around an 85 percent bypass rate.
Strengths:
– Solid at varying sentence length and inserting subtle contractions (“we’re,” “they’ve”) that detectors weigh heavily.
– Lets you highlight every change, so you can reverse anything that warps meaning.
– Reasonably priced: the current Writing plan is $15/month.
Weak spots:
– Long academic citations sometimes get truncated. Paste those back in manually.
– On ultra-formal papers, the tool adds a conversational tilt that editors may notice. Tone sliders help, but you still need a quick proofread.
Undetectable.ai Rewrite Module
Undetectable.ai surfaced in late 2024 and quickly won a cult following among copywriters. The company’s marketing flex: “0% AI on all major detectors, or we credit your account.” In practice, its success rate sits closer to 90 percent, but that’s still impressive.
How does it work? It adds “entropy layers,” essentially rewriting twice: once for semantics, once for randomness. You can crank an “Entropy” dial from 1 to 5; anything above 3 can begin to sound disjointed, but level 3 nearly always sneaks past GPTZero and Copyleaks. Turnitin remains the toughest nut; Undetectable.ai achieves a pass roughly four out of five tries.
Pros:
– Fast bulk mode: you can upload a 10,000-word white paper and get it back in under a minute.
HIX Write launched as a straight copy assistant in 2023. It’s 2025: Rewrite+ engine quietly became a detection-dodger’s secret weapon. The interface is minimal: paste, select “Covert,” pick a tone (academic, casual, narrative), and hit run. The server spins a hybrid model that blends lexical substitution with clause rearrangement. In public benchmarks hosted by the independent ReviewStack Lab (July 2025), HIX achieved the best Copyleaks evasion only one false flag in 30 runs, while tying Smodin on GPTZero.
Good news:
– Best at retaining stylistic nuance. If your original had rhetorical questions or semi-colons, they’re often preserved.
– Respectable free allotment: 5,000 words/month.
Bad news:
– Limited language options (only eight major tongues).
– No side-by-side change tracking; you need a diff tool if you’re paranoid.
Field Test: One Paragraph, Three Humanizers
To ground the numbers, let’s walk through a single paragraph about CRISPR agriculture, originally produced by GPT-4 Turbo. Raw text scored 98% AI on GPTZero, 89% on Turnitin, 91% on Copyleaks.
All three cleared the generic “likely human” threshold that most instructors use (usually 20-25%). The differences matter only if your reader scrutinizes every decimal. In real-world conditions, thousands of essays funneling into an LMS, any of these outputs would slip through.
What Separates a “Pass” from a Hard Fail
Even the best tool can’t cover every tell-tale sign on its own. Experienced editors and professors look for other giveaways long before they click “Check AI”:
– Sudden voice shift. If your intro sounds like Hemingway and your body reads like a textbook, suspicion spikes.
– Lack of personal anecdote. AI rarely invents believable micro stories (“I spilled coffee on my first draft at 2 a.m.”). Adding one can tilt judgment your way.
– Too-perfect structure. Flawless five-paragraph symmetry is another red flag. Humans ramble; sprinkle a side-thought here and there.
In short, humanizers defeat algorithmic pattern detectors, but they can’t import lived experience. That part is on you.
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Needs
Ultimately, the best pick hinges less on raw bypass percentages and more on your daily writing context, how many words you crank out, how frequently you switch languages, and how much polish you add by hand after the fact. Think of these humanizers as different gears on the same bike: one may climb academic hills effortlessly, another might zip through marketing flats, and a third offers an all-around ride with a lighter price tag. Keep that metaphor in mind as you weigh the options below.
– You value multilingual support and budget flexibility → Smodin.
– You need industrial-scale throughput and don’t mind tweaking entropy → Undetectable.ai.
– You care most about retaining voice and want a generous free tier → HIX Rewrite+.
All three update their models every few weeks because detectors evolve just as fast. A subscription that works today might falter next semester. Most creators, therefore, keep at least two accounts active and cross-check outputs before hitting “submit” or “publish.”
Final Takeaway
The headline question “Which AI humanizer passes GPTZero, Turnitin, and Copyleaks?” no longer has a single silver-bullet answer. Smodin, Undetectable.ai, and HIX Rewrite+ each clear the bar in late 2025, provided you use them thoughtfully. No guarantee of eternal invisibility; detectors will sharpen again, and the cat-and-mouse game will lurch forward.
The thing that will never change is the worth of real, captivating prose. These tools are not to conceal your thoughts, but to perfect your language. Combine machine efficiency and human touch, and you will always be a step further than algorithms and bored readers, regardless of what detectors are lurking on the other side of Submit.
Samsung has new software updates for the Galaxy Tab S10 and Tab S9 series. The company has recently released a major One UI 8 upgrade for its premium tablets, while the latest updates aim to improve system security.
Galaxy Tab S10 and Galaxy Tab S9 series are getting Samsung’s September and October security patch updates, respectively. Despite having a generation gap, the older tablet lineup is receiving a better, newer security patch.
Users of the Galaxy Tab S10, Tab S10 Plus, Tab S9, Tab S9 Plus, and Tab S9 Ultra can expect a notable boost in performance and stability. The latest updates may also have carried improvements for features across the OS.
Firmware update versions:
CYJ4 – Galaxy Tab S10 series
DYJ2 – Galaxy Tab S9 series
Initially available in South Korea, the new software updates will soon be available in the Global market. You can manually check for updates through Settings > Software update > Download and install.
One UI 8 introduces major refinements for the user interface. Samsung has also tweaked the Quick Settings and Notification Panel. The windows are now impressively optimized for tablet form factor and have adopted dynamic blur.
Samsung recently started the Android 16 rollout to the Galaxy Tab S8 series. The company didn’t expand key Galaxy AI features with the Tab S9 and Tab S8 series; however, the Tab S10 series has received Now Brief and Audio Eraser.
Meanwhile, a major interface overhaul is being prepared along with a set of new features. These upgrades will be provided as part of One UI 8.5. You can expect the Android 16-based One UI 8.5 update in the second quarter of 2026.
Samsung is preparing at least three major upgrades for the Galaxy Z Fold 8. With Apple reportedly pushing its foldable iPhone launch plans to 2027, Samsung is utilizing this opportunity to raise the bar of this smartphone segment.
A new report (via Jukan/X) reveals how Samsung could bring major upgrades to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 ahead of Apple’s entry to the foldable lineup.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 Upgrades
Samsung’s next Galaxy Z Fold model is expected to improve performance by improving its screen and battery, as well as retaining stylus support.
1. Display
Samsung Display may use its advanced laser drilling metal plate technology. This technological shift is slated to significantly reduce the display crease on the Galaxy Z Fold 8.
Over the years, Samsung has improved the crease, but there’s still room for improvement. The next year’s Z Fold model may be equipped with a screen with almost an invisible crease.
2. Battery
Samsung may bring a battery near 5,000mAh to the Galaxy Z Fold 8. It will be a big boost over the 4,400mAh battery on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and previous models.
The report suggests 5,000mAh could be the typical capacity, meaning the rated battery capacity could exceed this mark; however, it remains a matter of internal consideration.
3. S Pen
Galaxy Z Fold 7 screen lost the stylus input support to reduce thickness. However, Samsung might bring it back with the next-gen foldable smartphone in 2026.
The Korean tech giant is working on a futuristic display technology inspired by Apple Pencil solution; without the requirement of a digitiser film, the panel could recognize stylus input.
If you’re considering buying the perfect foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 would be for you. Well, this year’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 smartphone also has significant upgrades in terms of design, display, camera, and performance.
On October 28, Samsung put its most ambitious Galaxy Z TriFold smartphone prototype on showcase on the sidelines of the APEC Summit.
At K-Tech Showcase, Samsung officially unveiled its Galaxy Z TriFold smartphone, which features a dual-hinge mechanism to fold twice. This innovative form factor is set to be commercialized by Samsung by the end of the year.
Following this showcase, we’re expecting a little bigger reveal by Samsung during the APEC Summit, which is being held on October 31 and November 1.
It’s an expansion to the existing Galaxy Z Fold lineup, which features a single hinge and unfolds a single time. The dual-hinge mechanism integrates three folding panels into one, and the smartphone can be unfolded twice.
Source – Chosun
The unit put on showcase is a prototype unit, as the mass production and official release in expected by the end of the year. Until then, Samsung might bring even more refinements to the hardware, software, and appearance.
Source – Chosun
Samsung did not allow visitors to touch or use the device directly. It was placed behind a protective glass display case. Meanwhile, tipster Phoneart has also dropped pictures showing off a closer look at the phone’s design.
Source – Phoneart (@UniverseIce)
Galaxy Z TriFold is rumored to have a 6.5-inch cover screen, and the main screens could be extended to 10 inches. That said, the device will become even bigger than the Galaxy Z Fold 7 phone, which has an 8-inch screen.
While the US release is unlikely, Samsung might launch the Galaxy Z TriFold with a price tag of between $2,600 $2,800. Its presence could be limited to select countries: South Korea, China, Singapore, Taiwan, and the UAE.
Apple might equip the entire iPhone 18 lineup with 18GB of RAM. This year’s Pro and Pro Max models have upgraded their RAM capacity to 12GB, which is expected to expand to the Base and Plus/Air models next year.
TheBell reports that Apple informed Samsung of an increased requirement for LPDDR5X memory for the iPhone 18 series. Samsung is the only vendor producing 12GB and 16GB LPDDR5X RAMs, so the shift is highly likely.
An upgraded 12GB RAM on the iPhone 18 will help Apple Intelligence run more effectively. It will also provide a crucial boost to on-device AI processing. For this crucial shift, Apple is reportedly seeking the help of Samsung.
Apple’s base and Plus/Air models compete with Samsung’s Galaxy S and Plus/Edge flagships. Samsung has the Galaxy S Ultra to rival Apple’s iPhone Pro and Pro Max versions with the most premium-tier hardware and features.
Samsung upgraded the Galaxy S lineup’s RAM in 2025, taking it to 12GB across models. Apple will catch up to Samsung in the memory segment with its next-gen iPhones.
12GB won’t sound like a decent upgrade in 2026 iPhones, as there are plenty of devices available with even more, 16GB or 24GB RAM. However, the software optimization plays a key role here as just hardware can’t deliver alone.
Another major shift in the pipeline is a new strategic launch timeline. The base iPhones might launch in the first quarter, starting in 2026, while the Pro and Pro Max would be introduced in the third quarter, as usual.
Arrowhead CEO Shams Jorjani says more patches will be released to improve Helldivers 2’s stability, but it will take some time before players see major performance improvements.
Samsung has officially shown the Galaxy Z TriFold for the very first time. It’s a foldable smartphone with essentially three displays, which means users can basically turn the smartphone into a tablet with a large screen. The South Korean tech giant has also commented on its launch plans.
Every month, PlayStation Plus members look forward to a new lineup of free games, and November 2025’s selection might have just leaked ahead of schedule.
EarFun's Air Pro 4+ earbuds combine dynamic and balanced armature drivers to deliver high-resolution audio with adaptive AI noise cancellation using six microphones. Powered by Qualcomm's QCC3091 SoC, they support the aptX Lossless and LDAC codecs.
A 40-minute unfiltered PS5 build of Wreckreation leaked a day before release, showcasing Burnout‑inspired high‑speed arcade racing with loops, big jumps, track‑building, and destructible elements, even as viewers pointed out inconsistent performance and bugs that could perhaps be attributed to an earlier build.
Warner Bros. has launched a "For Your Consideration" awards campaign for A Minecraft Movie after its mammoth $957 million global box-office haul, targeting major categories including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.
The Honor X6b Plus is a new smartphone that’s clearly not a high-end device, but it does come with a 90Hz display. The Chinese company also advertises that the display is readable in direct sunlight, although that's more of a marketing claim.
In the Shacknews documentary 24 ’Til Launch: The Making of Borderlands 4, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford recounts how EA’s cancellation of his Rebel Boat Rocker project Prax War and the subsequent founding of Gearbox led to an unexpected call from Valve’s Gabe Newell, who invited Pitchford to pitch an expanded Half‑Life storyline.
After Halo: Campaign Evolved’s 13‑minute Silent Cartographer demo at the Halo World Championship 2025, former Combat Evolved designer Jaime Griesemer took to X to criticize changes. He focused most of his ire on the ability to steamroll Hunters in a Warthog, movable obstacles, and added trees, all of which he says wreck the pacing in the game.
The CrowPanel Advance is a new display with many features and wireless network connectivity. This gadget could allow users to quickly create their own smart display, and tinkerers should be able to benefit from a simple or at least familiar setup.
iQOO unveiled the iQOO 15 in China last week, and today, the company announced that the iQOO 15 will be launched in India on November 26. The smartphone will likely be sold through iQOO's Indian website and Amazon.in in India, but its pricing and sale date are yet to be officially revealed.
The Indian model of last year's iQOO 13 came with a smaller battery (6,000 mAh vs. 6,150 mAh), and it's unclear if there will be any differences in specs between the iQOO 15's Indian and global/Chinese versions. However, the two features we know will remain the same across all regions are the Snapdragon...
The Retroid Pocket 6 is now available to pre-order worldwide with hardware to rival recent popular Android gaming handhelds like the Ayn Odin 2. While the Retroid Pocket 6 combines a 120 Hz AMOLED display with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and 8 GB of RAM, the handheld starts for a mere $209 initially.
The Retroid Pocket G2 is a new horizontal gaming handheld packing a new Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset. Available to order now in a choice of five colour options, the Pocket G2 also features a 5.5-inch AMOLED display and 8 GB of LPDDR5x RAM for less than $200 at launch.
Adata has announced the SR800 Magnetic Power Bank SSD. The accessory attaches to MagSafe or Qi2.2-compatible smartphones and combines a 5,000 mAh power bank with up to 2 TB of SSD storage. It supports 15 W wireless charging and up to 2,000 MB/s transfers.
Apparently, Fitbit is not done with hardware releases just yet. Rather than becoming completely subordinate to Google, Fitbit has now outlined release plans for the first new hardware since 2023.
Deal | The M5 SoC is an absolute screamer of a chip, especially when it comes to GPU and AI workloads. The new Apple iPad Pro, armed with iPadOS 26, is all set to take advantage of the latest silicon, and is thankfully already witnessing its first discount on Amazon less than two weeks after launch.
Tesla has issued a recall of 12,963 vehicles across its Model 3 and Model Y lines due to a defect that could lead to a sudden loss of drive power. The recall is officially filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under number 25V690.
vivo unveiled the S30 and S30 Pro mini in May, and if you know anything about Chinese smartphone makers, you know that they hate the number 4, due to prevailing tetraphobia in China. So it won't surprise you to find out that there will be no S40 series, but that vivo is already working on the S50 family. A few details about these have been outed today.
The S50 Pro mini will keep the exact same display size its predecessor has - 6.31". On the other hand, the S50's screen will shrink to 6.59" from the S30's 6.67". Both of the new phones have "1.5K" resolution and flat panels.
vivo...
OnePlus has just announced the 15 and the Ace 6 in China, but it's also working on a new series of devices, which was previously rumored earlier this month. The first phone in this line will be called OnePlus Turbo, and today its specs have been leaked.
It will allegedly sport a 6.7-inch OLED screen with "1.5K" resolution and 165Hz refresh rate, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC at the helm, and a gigantic 8,000 mAh battery with support for 100W wired charging.
OnePlus Ace 6
On the rear will be a 50 MP main camera and an 8 MP ultrawide. The device will also pack an X-axis linear vibration...
It’s kind of funny. Back when OpenAI was first founded, Elon Musk and Sam Altman were thick as thieves. Both supposedly had a similar mission when it came to artificial intelligence. However, fast forward to today, and both parties appear to be bitter enemies. But despite their differences, they both seem to be working towards a similar goal. Elon Musk has Neuralink, and now Sam Altman is reportedly working on his own brain interface as well.
Sam Altman’s brain interface could rival Neuralink
According to The Verge’s Alex Heath in his Sources newsletter, it appears that OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, is building his own brain interface that could rival that of Elon Musk’s Neuralink. The report claims that Altman has tapped Mikhail Shapiro, an award-winning biomolecular engineer.
Shapiro will join Merge Labs, which is a brain-computer interface startup by Altman and Alex Blania. At the moment, not much is known about what this company is about. However, based on Shapiro’s work, it suggests that Altman could leverage his expertise to create a device that could link to the human brain using noninvasive techniques. To be more specific, it could use sound waves.
This is based on a recent talk Shapiro gave, where he said that sound waves and magnetic fields could be used to create a brain-to-computer interface. If that’s true, it could make Altman’s startup a whole lot more attractive compared to Neuralink.
Neuralink’s approach
For those unfamiliar, Neuralink is a company founded by Musk. The company’s goal is to create a way for people to interact with their computers or phones using their thoughts. It sounds quite high-tech, almost sci-fi-like. However, the problem with Neuralink is that it’s not exactly the most user-friendly.
In order for Neuralink to work, the user has to undergo open-skull surgery. This is where the electrodes are implanted into the brain to allow the user to control their devices. Any type of brain surgery has its risks. But to ask someone to undergo surgery just so they have a hands-free way of using their computers? That’s a huge ask.
If Altman’s new startup can indeed create an interface that uses sound waves, it’s a no-brainer (pun intended) that more people might prefer.
Meta has been increasingly focused on Threads in the recent past, and it’s visible in how frequently it’s been adding new features to the platform. Early last month, the social media app announced long-form posts. As part of that feature, users can now post up to 10,000 characters in one go. Now, Threads is getting a “disappearing post” feature, which Meta calls “ghost posts.” Meta started testing this feature back in April, alongside other features that are now available on Threads.
All the replies to your ghost posts land in your Threads DMs
Threads’ new ghost posts feature enables you to share your thoughts or engage in conversation that vanishes after 24 hours. You’ll be able to create a ghost post on mobile by enabling the toggle that has the new “ghost” icon on the app’s compose screen. The feature is a handy addition for anyone who likes to post something but doesn’t want it to appear on their Threads profile.
Every time you publish a ghost post on Threads, others will see it having a dotted bubble around. This gives an idea to others that it’s a disappearing post. What’s interesting is that the replies on such posts land directly into your DMs and don’t appear on your timeline.
Another thing to note is that other Threads users can’t see the number of likes, replies, or the names of ghost post viewers. However, they can still see smiley-face icons below the disappearing posts. This gives an idea to people that others have replied to or liked the posts.
You can still revisit the post from the “archived” section
Not to forget, you can still check ghost posts from the “archived” section of the Threads’ settings menu. Think of this feature as Instagram Stories that are only available for 24 hours. Meta, in the announcement post, notes that this feature is for those who want to “share unfiltered thoughts and fresh takes without the pressure of permanence or polish. Here today and gone tomorrow, you can feel confident trying new things and posting spontaneous thoughts.”
Apple’s iPhone 18 series is still months away from seeing the light of day, but the rumor mill has started giving a glimpse of what’s to come. The iPhone 18 Pro models may gain satellite 5G support. Apple will also introduce a new A20/A20 Pro chip, which may significantly increase the prices of the phones. While that’s for hardware, a new leak sheds light on the iPhone 18 Pro design for the first time.
iPhone 18 Pro design details
Leaker Digital Chat Station has detailed what to expect in terms of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 17e designs. In a Weibo post talking about iPhone 18 Pro’s camera upgrades, the leaker in comments says the new model will feature the same rear camera design as this year’s iPhone 17 Pro. This means we’ll see the same large horizontal module taking up a large portion of the back panel.
This makes sense considering Apple just redesigned its flagship models this year, and it usually sticks to the same for at least a few years. It’s unclear whether the glass cutout below the module will see any changes. The leaker previously mentioned that it will have a slightly modified transparent look on the iPhone 18 Pro.
Furthermore, the leaker says that he hasn’t come across the design details for the iPhone 18 model yet.
No ProMotion display for the ‘e’ model yet
Moving to iPhone 17e, Digital Chat Station says the display will finally shift to Dynamic Island. In comparison, the current iPhone 16e uses a dated notch design. This should bring the low-cost iPhone more in line with the flagship models.
However, the display will only support a 60Hz refresh rate, as per the leaker. This isn’t surprising, as Apple brought ProMotion to the base iPhone 17 model only this year. We may have to wait at least another year before we see ProMotion for the budget ‘e’ model.
A crew working for an unnamed wildlife photographer fed and used cellophane paper to lure a fox for the 'perfect shot' in Grand Teton National Park. Since the fox was conditioned to human food, park officials euthanized it. The photographer got his shot. The fox paid with its life. Learning about this event became the North Star for Arthur Lefo, an OM SYSTEM Ambassador who has spent almost a decade photographing iconic wildlife. Lefo believes that ethical wildlife photography isn't just about rules, but respect.
Canon is teasing what appears to be a new camera launch set for November 6. While the company did not provide any details, there is a bit that can be extracted from what little it has shown. Namely, this looks like it will be a photo-focused camera.
We know the Galaxy S26 is on the way, it's just a matter of when the day will arrive and what devices Samsung has planned to include in the lineup. With rumors of a delay paired with upcoming holiday sales, we look at whether you should wait or just get a new phone now.
Version 1.0 of ARMSX2, an ARM-focused branch of the popular PCSX2 emulator, has landed on Android. The new version of the PlayStation 2 emulator uses a translation layer to run code from PCSX2 (with some additions) on ARM devices, including Android smartphones. This gives retro gamers another option to play PS2 titles on their smartphones.
Apple's new M5 processor is much faster and also more efficient than its predecessor in many scenarios. However, the increased power consumption does result in slightly shorter battery runtimes in our Wi-Fi test, both for the MacBook Pro as well as the iPad Pro.
MSI has expanded its graphics card lineup with the GeForce RTX 5050 Inspire ITX series, featuring single-fan cooling and a compact, dual-slot design. Built for small form factor PCs, both models offer efficient power usage, providing a space-saving solution for gamers and creators building in tight enclosures.
Deal | GameStop is currently offering a PS5 with a disc drive and 2 years of PS Plus Premium for $170 off. While this bundle includes the original "thick" PS5, buyers get access to hundreds of current-gen and classic PlayStation titles.
Apple's new MacBook Pro 14 with the M5 processor is a very good multimedia notebook, but in terms of pricing, it only really makes sense when you stick to the base spec. As soon as you start adding upgrades, the MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro quickly becomes the better choice.
According to a new report, Apple is about to launch four new apps for iPadOS. These are Pixelmator Pro, MainStage, Motion, and Compressor. They would join Apple's Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, both of which arrived on iPadOS in 2023.
The four apps that are supposedly coming to an iPad near you are at the moment only available on macOS. Apple acquired professional image editing app Pixelmator Pro this year, while MainStage is a Logic Pro companion app for live performances, Compressor is a Final Cut Pro companion app for compressing audio and video files, and Motion is a Final Cut Pro...
Samsung is now rumored to have delayed the start of the beta program for its upcoming One UI 8.5 Android skin . This is what the Galaxy S26 series is expected to launch running. Samsung should have released the first beta build of One UI 8.5 in November.
However, this is now very unlikely to happen, a tipster on X says. The rollout is delayed, and it's all connected to the Galaxy S26+. This model was initially scrapped by Samsung, only to be brought back to life recently in the face of the Galaxy S25 Edge's dismal sales (the S26 Edge was supposedly replacing the S26+, but now the S26 Edge...
Gaming smartphones used to be an extremely niche product, and while they technically still are, there are a lot more phones out there these days that can be considered suitable gaming smartphones. Even if they aren’t marketed as such. With that in mind, consumers have more choices for a gaming smartphone than ever before. With more options comes more of a challenge in finding the best gaming smartphones available, because you have a higher chance of picking something that isn’t a good phone for gaming.
That being said, we’ve set out to find all the best gaming smartphones for you to make this process easier. There will be some obvious choices and some maybe not so obvious, but all of them will be viable for playing mobile games if that’s the kind of device you’re looking for.
Here are the best gaming smartphones you can buy in 2025.
Best Gaming Smartphone
If you want the best gaming smartphone available, then there are a couple that would easily fit into this category; however, we’re recommending the REDMAGIC 10S Pro as the phone to beat. Not only is it extremely capable because of its specifications, but it was purpose-built for mobile gaming and offers some specialized gaming features. It’s also available at a very reasonable and affordable base price compared to another high-end option we had in mind. At the end of the day, the REDMAGIC 10S Pro provides a basically pound-for-pound experience and has a lower price. So, this is the best for anyone who wants a dedicated gaming smartphone. At least for now. We’re a few months out from the end of the year, and eventually, new gaming smartphone models will arise.
REDMAGIC 10S Pro
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Starting at $699
REDMAGIC’s 10S Pro is an excellent example of what a gaming phone should be – affordable, powerful, and full of features that cater to the gamer. After years of development and several iterations, the REDMAGIC 10S Pro is the product of a lot of hard work to create something that mobile gamers will be proud to have.
It offers several advantages, and while it comes in at a lower price point than direct competitors, it doesn’t skimp on performance. It doesn’t give an inch. That’s an impressive feat and it’s one of the reasons why it’s the best gaming phone available for most people in 2025.
Pros
Great battery life
Charges up super fast
Exceptional performance
Good camera
Affordable price point
Display provides an awesome visual experience
Cons
Fingerprint magnet
Can get extremely warm during high-intensity tasks
No wireless charging
The REDMAGIC 10S Pro has a lot of unique features that other high-end phones won’t have, and that’s one of the reasons why it’s a special phone for mobile gaming enthusiasts. The key feature, at least in our eyes, is the ultrasonic triggers that sit on top of the phone when you’re holding the phone in landscape mode for playing games. These act just like the triggers on a controller. These are perfect for shooter games, but you can map these triggers to any in-game control so you could use them for any game you want, as long as that games plays in landscape mode.
This phone also has a pretty large battery capacity and a really good cooling system. The latter helps ensure the phone stays capable of operating at optimal temperatures to sustain that high performance for longer periods of time. Then of course, you can pick this phone up with large amounts of RAM and storage, and it’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which is extremely powerful for mobile games.
Display: 6.85-inch AMOLED
Brightness: 2,000 nits
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM and Storage: 12GB, 16GB, or 24GB RAM / 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage
Cameras: 50MP+50MP+2MP
Battery: 7050mAh Dual Cell Battery
Charging: 80W wired
Colors: Nightfall, Dusk, Moonlight
Android Version: Android 15
Software Support: 2 years of major OS updates and 3 years of security updates
AI Software: AI Trigger, Circle to Search, AI Photo Search AI image editing, real-time translations, call subtitles
Camera Score: Not tested by DXOMark
Camera Features: AI-powered image editing, Portrait Mode, Milky Way Night, Pro, Camera-Family
Battery Life Score: 25 hours and 42 minutes (Ranked 4th among phones Android Headlines has reviewed)
Charging Time: 44 minutes
Review
REDMAGIC 10S Pro Ultimate Review: The Gaming Phone for Everyone
REDMAGIC burst onto the scene years ago, but the brand has really started to push the envelope within the last…
by Justin Diaz
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Best Premium Gaming Smartphone
When it comes to premium gaming phones, there’s really only one choice, and this year it’s the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro. At a retail price of $1,299, it is most certainly not cheap but you get a top-of-the-line gaming smartphone with an exceptional experience for mobile gaming. While some of us here at Android Headlines personally like it more than the REDMAGIC 10S Pro, the 10S Pro is still the best offering because of its price and similar performance. However, if money is no object and you’re not concerned about the price, then this is the gaming phone you go with. ASUS spared no expense, and you might not want to either.
ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
$1,299
The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro released early in the year, making it one of the first phones to launch with the Snapdragon 8 Elite. It was officially launched in November of 2024, but it didn’t reach the US until January of 2025. It has an admittedly pretty good camera for a gaming phone. We say this because gaming phones typically have not had very good cameras. ASUS and REDMAGIC have started to change this and the ROG Phone 9 Pro has what is likely the best camera of any “gaming phone” that’s currently available.
Of course, the real magic lies in the special software features in the Armoury Crate app, as well as the popular AirTriggers. ASUS pioneered this feature and it has since spread to other gaming phone devices in similar forms. Still, they feel the best on the ROG devices.
Pros
AirTriggers are incredibly responsive
Best-in-class cooling system
Top-notch performance
Best camera of any ROG Phone to date
Advanced gaming software features enhance the user experience
Cons
Expensive
Not widely available
Short lifespan on major OS updates
The AirTriggers are one of the best things about this device. They give your phone trigger-like ultrasonic buttons that act like the triggers on a controller. ASUS is no longer the only brand to offer a feature like this, but it is the brand that offers the best-feeling triggers on a gaming phone. Plus, it has some excellent gaming software, with the most advanced features we’ve seen yet thanks to ASUS”s infusion of AI-powered functions.
It also has the best cooling of any gaming phone we’ve ever used, which allows it to keep sustained performance at a high level beyond other devices. You could play the most demanding games on this phone for a couple of hours and barely notice any change in surface temperature. At least, it wouldn’t get to the point where things are uncomfortable. This wasn’t the case with some of the older ROG Phone models, so ASUS came a long way with this one. There is, of course, the addition of large amounts of RAM and storage capacity, though, this isn’t specific to the ROG Phone 9 Pro. It’s just one of the really great things about it.
Display: 6.78 inch FHD+ 2400 x1080
Brightness: 2,500 nits peak, 1,600 nits HBM
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM and Storage: 16GB or 24GB RAM / 512GB or 1TB storage
Software Support: 2 years of major OS updates and 3 years of security updates
AI Software: X Sense, X Capture, X Grabber
Camera Score: Not tested by DXOMark
Camera Features: AI Object Sense, AI HyperClarity, AI Portrait Video, 4K video, 8K video
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Best Non-Gaming Smartphone For Gaming
Gaming phones aren’t for everybody, and that’s understandable. They focus mostly on gaming as the key features, so naturally, a few other things may take a backseat. That being said, there are still consumers out there who like mobile gaming but want something that does other things really, really well. Thankfully, some brands, like Samsung, have put an emphasis on mobile gaming in recent years while still managing to deliver a phone that’s excellent for mobile gaming, but it’s not an actual gaming phone. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the best phone to go for if you want something that can perform well with mobile games, that isn’t actually a gaming phone. That means you won’t get any special gaming-centric hardware features here, but it’ll run games effortlessly thanks to its powerful hardware.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Rating
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The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is not a gaming phone but it is a good phone for games, because it’s good at pretty much everything it can do. It has great cameras, it has lots of storage, and it has a powerful chipset for high performance. Plus, it has a big screen with great resolution and vibrant colors. In other words, you’ll get a good screen size for games and the colors in those games will look amazing. Of course, it can’t be forgotten that this device has plenty of AI-powered software features to make everyday use outside of games more convenient.
Samsung has also taken great pains to increase mobile gaming performance and improve the user experience while playing games. This includes the use of a vapor chamber for better cooling, and even some gaming software features. It’s an all-around great device for more than just gaming. But, when it comes time to game, this phone won’t let you down.
Pros
Good Cameras
LOG Video recording for aspiring YouTubers
Class-leading battery life
Improved charging
Useful AI Features
7 years of Updates!
Cons
No Dolby Vision support
S Pen losses Bluetooth support
Still Expensive
What makes this phone special is that it’s a high-performance phone that can be used for mobile gaming, but it’s not really a gaming phone. So, as a user, you just end up with a really, really nice premium phone that can just happens to be able to play games well. Not just well, but at top-tier levels, given its RAM, storage, and Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.
It’s a device that is just as suitable for everything else people love to do with mobile phones as it is for mobile gaming. It doesn’t look like a gaming phone either. That is most certainly going to appeal to some people who like games but don’t like the over-used gamer aesthetic. Even better is that you can use this phone for years to come. Samsung has promised 7 years of major OS updates, security updates, and feature updates. Which means, you’ll still be getting new versions of Android in 5 years. This isn’t something that was typical until Google’s Pixel 8 series. Samsung followed and promised 7 years of updates with last year’s Galaxy S24 series, and it’s continuing to do so here. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is an expensive phone as well, but it does a lot and it does it all pretty well.
Display: 6.9″ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X 120Hz. Brightness: 2,600 nits peak Protection: Corning Gorilla Armor 2 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy RAM and Storage: 12GB RAM, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB Storage Cameras: 200MP primary camera at f/1.7, 10MP 3x telephoto at f/2.4, 50MP 5x telephoto at f/3.4, and 50MP ultrawide at f/1.9. Battery: 5,000mAh Charging: 45W wired and 15W wireless. 4.5W reverse wireless also available Colors: Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium Black, Titanium White Silver, Titanium Gray, Titanium Jade Green, Titanium Jet Black, Titanium Pink Gold
Android Version: Android 16 (One UI 8)
Software Support: 7 years of updates (through January 2032)
AI Software: Galaxy AI, Gemini, and Circle to Search
Camera Score: 151 via DXOMark (Ranked 26th globally)
Camera features: Up to 100x zoom, 10-bit HDR recording, 8K video recording, LOG video mode, ProVisual Engine + Next-Gen Camera AI.
Battery life Score: 22 hours and 3 minutes (Ranked 22nd among phones Android Headlines has reviewed)
Charging time: 1 hour and 14 seconds.
Review
star
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Ultimate Review: More Than Meets The Eye
On the surface, it looks like Samsung did the bare minimum to release a new flagship phone. However, once you…
by Alexander Maxham
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Best Mid-Range Gaming Smartphone
The OnePlus 13R is perhaps the best option for a phone that excels at mobile gaming in the budget category. It doesn’t cost a whole lot these days, and it’s still using some pretty powerful specs for a phone. Even if the chipset is from last year, it’s still last year’s flagship chipset from Qualcomm. Which is only a little less powerful than the Snapdragon 8 Elite.
OnePlus has also done some work to make its phones good for mobile gaming. The company included vapor chambers, added some gaming-centric software features, and, of course, the phones use good specs that allow the phone to run games well with high settings. This is another device that isn’t really a gaming phone, but it does play mobile games really well, all at a fraction of the cost of premium devices and actual gaming phones.
OnePlus 13R
Rating
starstarstarstarstar_empty
$599
Much like the OnePlus 12R, the OnePlus 13R prides itself on being capable in many different areas and that includes gaming. The approach is similar to Samsung with a focus on using high-quality components to ensure that gaming performance is smooth, but without alienating the crowd of consumers who doesn’t like the style of gaming phones or the fact that they can drop the ball in a few areas, most notably the camera, although not always. The OnePlus 13R shines in most areas including with battery life (so you can play games for longer), and it does these things while managing to keep the price tag a reasonable amount. How does OnePlus keep the price lower? Mainly by using last year’s chipset. This is the gaming phone for anyone who wants something mainstream, with excellent performance, great features, and a stylish design.
Pros
Great, smooth display
Outstanding performance
Solid main camera performance
Battery life is its strong suit
Very fast (wired) charging
Plenty fast fingerprint scanner
Cons
Poor ultrawide camera performance
No wireless charging
The thing that makes this phone special the most is that it has top-tier gaming performance at a price of $599. Thanks to the use of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 as opposed to the Snapdragon 8 Elite, OnePlus was able to keep the price lower than its flagship OnePlus 13. There are other differences, of course, but this one factor helped a lot. Yet, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is still a flagship chipset, just from one year prior, and that makes it a very good chip for games. OnePlus has also kept the vapor chamber and even improved on it from the previous year. Not to mention, it has put some focus toward enhancing mobile gaming through a few software features. There was a time that only brands who made official gaming phones would pay attention to this detail. More and more brands who make devices for the masses are catering to gamers too. And OnePlus is one of them.
It charges up extremely fast as well, when you use the wired charger, and that bodes well for the gamer who plays for long periods of time and needs to charge up the device as much as possible before having to rush out the door. By all accounts this is a great phone for gaming if you’re on a smaller budget and don’t want to compromise too much on performance.
Display: 6.78 LTPO AMOLED 120Hz
Brightness: 4,500 nits peak
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 7i
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM and Storage: 12GB/16GB RAM ; 256GB/512GB Storage
Cameras: 50MP primary camera at f/1.8, 8MP ultrawide at f/2.2, 50MP telephoto at f/2.0
Battery: 6,000mAh
Charging: 80W wired
Colors: Astral Trail, Nebula Noir
Android Version: Android 15 (OxygenOS 15)
Software Support: 4 years of major Android updates
AI Software: Gemini, Circle to Search, OnePlus AI
Camera Score: N/A
Camera features: Color spectrum sensor, HDR, 4K video recording at 60 fps, gyro-EIS
Battery life Score: 18 hours and 55 minutes (ranked 43rd among phones Android Headlines has reviewed)
Charging time: 44 minutes and 30 seconds
Announcement
OnePlus 13R Packs a Punch Without Breaking the Bank
Alongside the OnePlus 13 today, the OnePlus 13R was also announced. This is the company’s cheaper flagship offering with last…
by Alexander Maxham
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Best Budget Gaming Smartphone
If you’re looking to go even less expensive than the OnePlus 13R, then the Poco X7 Pro 5G is the phone for you. It’s the best bang for your buck if mobile gaming is a huge focal point in choosing a new phone to upgrade to. While it won’t have the best performance of any phone on the market, it has considerably good performance, and it costs under $400. That’s a price-to-performance value you can’t really argue against. Plus, the phone doesn’t look too bad in terms of design.
Poco X7 Pro 5G
Rating
starstarstarstarstar_empty
$360
The Poco X7 Pro 5G is the kind of phone you consider when you want something that was built with mobile gaming in mind, but for the crowd of consumer who doesn’t want to spend more than a few hundred dollars.
At an average price of around $360, the Poco X7 Pro 5G from Xiaomi is a testament to what you can produce for less money when you put some effort into the development process. While it won’t beat out the top-tier devices, the Poco X7 Pro will have no problem delivering a quality gaming experience to the user. If you don’t care so much about having the absolute best, this is the device we’re recommending because it’s affordable, and it performs well. Not to mention it has a huge battery, so it’ll last a while between charges, too.
Pros
Pretty powerful chipset for a budget device
Massive 6,000mAh battery
Affordable price point
90W charging support
Slim bezels
120Hz display with decent resolution
Cons
underwhelming camera
Performance won’t quite match top-tier phones
What makes this phone truly special is that it can play mobile games with pretty good performance that most mobile gamers are likely to find acceptable, all without charging the consumer more than a few hundred dollars. This is the biggest draw of the Poco X7 Pro 5G. You’ll pay under $400 for it, and you’ll end up with a device that pumps out decent performance and has a long-lasting battery.
With a 120Hz display and ultra-slim bezels, gaming visuals will be presented in a delightful way so you can enjoy more of your game time without distractions. Plus, the slimmer bezels just look nicer overall. It also comes with an IP68 rating for dust resistance and water resistance. An IP68 rating on phones this inexpensive isn’t as common, so this is definitely a standout feature of the design.
The One UI 8 rollout has seen its share of issues, with Samsung pausing the process on several of its phones, including the popular Galaxy S24 and S23 flagships. The company hasn’t disclosed the reason that triggered this move, but we assume something serious. Anyway, it looks to be a thing of the past, as Samsung appears to have resumed the One UI 8 update for the Galaxy S24 and S23 models.
One UI 8 update for the Galaxy S24 and S23 resumed again
The screenshots shared by Tarun Vats confirm that One UI 8 is again available for the Galaxy S23 and S24. This is happening first in Samsung’s home soil, South Korea, suggesting that the Android 16-based update will also resume in other affected regions shortly. To recall, One UI 8 debuted on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip in July. It later made its way to other models, starting with the Galaxy S25 series.
Since then, Samsung has temporarily halted the update for various models without acknowledging or giving out a reason. It halted the One UI 8 rollout for the Galaxy S23 last week, after it began rolling out earlier this month.
The update is live in South Korea
One UI 8 is now back on track, as it’s rolling out again in the Galaxy S24 and S23 October monthly update. The update weighs around 396MB for the Galaxy S24 and 385MB for the Galaxy S23.
Meanwhile, Samsung’s next big UI upgrade is One UI 8.5, whose beta was originally rumored to start in November. But this is now reportedly not happening, possibly because of Samsung’s change in launch plans for the Galaxy S26 series.
Samsung’s upcoming big software update, One UI 8.5, is expected to bring some major changes and optimizations. However, things are reportedly not going as smoothly as planned. The company has now reportedly delayed the rollout of its One UI 8.5 beta. The program was earlier rumored to open in late November.
Samsung has delayed the rollout of the One UI 8.5 beta update
While Samsung has not made any official announcement yet, a fresh leak suggests that the firm has delayed the rollout of its One UI 8.5 beta update. The well-known tipster on X/Twitter, Tarun Vats, who closely follows the company’s software rollout timeline, recently revealed that the One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 series has been postponed.
Earlier reports indicated that the beta would begin in the last week of November, but that schedule now appears unlikely. The delay seems to be connected with the major shake-up within the Galaxy S26 series.
According to sources, Samsung has canceled the Galaxy S26 Edge and reinstated the S26 Plus. It has also scrapped its plan to rename the standard S26 as S26 Pro. With the company revising its entire strategy, the internal development timeline has been disrupted. This has indirectly pushed back the One UI 8.5 beta as well.
The delay could be longer than anticipated
Since there are no official words on the update yet, it’s unclear how long the firm plans to hold off on the beta program. Historically, the company has delayed the release of its major software versions, such as One UI 8.0 and 8.1. This is to ensure the update’s stability before the stable release.
Anyway, if the One UI 8.5 beta rollout is delayed by more than a few weeks, it could line up with the slightly postponed launch of the Galaxy S26 series. However, depending upon the priorities of the company, the update may be delayed much longer than anticipated.
Earlier this year, Google announced that a Fitbit Personal Health Coach was coming to eligible devices, such as the Pixel Watch 4, and this week, it’s entering an early preview phase. This brings it one step closer to being fully launched, although it will take a little more time to get there, Google admits. This early preview will serve as a way for users to test the new feature and give some feedback to Google so that it can improve where things need to be improved. “Building this health coach takes time, rigor, and input to make sure it works well for everyone, which is why we’re starting with a preview and asking for your honest feedback,” Google says.
Since this is a preview, Google is quick to point out that everything it has mentioned as part of the preview is “by no means a comprehensive list of everything it can do.” That means users can expect it to do even more than what Google has announced so far. Which, by the way, includes everything from creating workouts on the fly to understanding more about specific health conditions. These don’t even have to be health conditions you have. It can just be something you’re particularly interested in learning more about.
The Fitbit Health Coach early preview begins October 28
Good news for anyone who wants to try this out: you’ll be able to give the Personal Health Coach a try starting tomorrow, October 28. Google doesn’t mention a specific time, so you may just have to end up keeping an eye on the Fitbit apps on your devices.
Google says you will need an eligible device to check it out, and this includes Pixel Watch and Fitbit devices. You also need to be a Fitbit Premium subscriber, as this will be a Fitbit Premium feature. Once the feature begins rolling out, users will be able to spend about 5 to 10 minutes having a conversation with their AI-powered fitness coach to get the ball rolling. Doing this isn’t mandatory to begin using the preview, as Google notes you can come back to it later, but it does seem to be recommended.
It’s also worth noting that this preview doesn’t have access to everything the current version of the Fitbit app has. A lot of features are missing. This includes menstrual health logging and tracking, body temp logging and tracking, social features like friends and leaderboards, and a host of others.
That being said, this is a preview, and Google confirms that users can swap back and forth. So, it isn’t a one way or another kind of situation. You can have both, just not in one app experience yet.
Qualcomm has officially entered the AI chip race with the launch of its two new accelerator chips. With this move, the company aims for a major shift from its traditional focus on smartphone and wireless connectivity semiconductors. With the launch of its new AI200 and AI250 chips, the company has positioned itself as a new challenger in the booming data center market, currently dominated by Nvidia and AMD.
Qualcomm announces AI200 and AI250 accelerator chips
According to an official announcement, Qualcomm plans to commercially release its new accelerator chip, the AI200, in 2026. The AI250 is scheduled to launch later in 2027. Both of these chips are designed for large-scale, liquid-cooled server racks. They are capable of powering an entire rack with up to 72 chips acting as one system.
Qualcomm builds its data center chips on the same hexagon neural processing unit (NPU) as its mobile processors. According to the company’s general manager of data center and edge, Durga Malladi, this is a part of a strategic move. She says that “We first proved ourselves in other domains, and then scaled up to the data center level.”
The new AI chips are competing on cost, efficiency, and flexibility
Unlike NVIDIA, whose GPUs are primarily used for training AI models, Qualcomm’s chips focus on inference, running pre-trained models efficiently. The company claims its rack-scale systems will cost less to operate. It is said to consume around 160 kilowatts per rack, roughly similar to Nvidia’s systems.
Malladi further adds in her statement that Qualcomm will offer modular sales. Clients will be able to purchase full racks or individual components. Interestingly, even competitors like Nvidia or AMD could use Qualcomm’s CPUs or other data center parts. The new AI cards are also said to be capable of handling 768GB of memory, surpassing both NVIDIA and AMD in this metric.
Samsung is getting ready to launch its next wireless earbuds, the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. The company seems to be giving this new lineup a unique and creative touch. Instead of using simple or color-based codenames like in the past, Samsung has chosen names inspired by classical composers.
According to information via Android Authority, the latest One UI 8.5 software revealed important details about these upcoming earbuds. In Samsung’s Buds Manager app, the Buds 4 are listed under the codename “Handel,” while the Buds 4 Pro are called “Bach.”
Both names come from famous German composers, which shows that Samsung is adding a touch of classical music flair to its new products. This is a new direction for Samsung, as older Galaxy Buds had much simpler codenames.
While the names Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro had already been seen before, this is the first time we’ve learned about their codenames. These names are quite different from previous generations. For example, the Galaxy Buds 2 were called “Berry” internally, while the Buds 3, 3 Pro, and 3 FE used “Jelly,” “Paran,” and “Gemstone.”
The new musical codenames might hint that Samsung is aiming for a more elegant design or an improved listening experience. So far, there are no leaked images or official previews of the Galaxy Buds 4 series. Only some icons have appeared in the early One UI 8.5 builds, and it’s unclear if they represent the final design.
Still, it’s clear that Samsung is continuing to improve its popular audio lineup while also working on new products like the Galaxy XR headset. Stay tuned for more information.
Samsung’s Galaxy S20 FE has officially received its last security update. October 2025 security patch is the final update the phone will get. While the device is still up-to-date now, it will no longer receive future updates.
The Galaxy S20 FE is part of Samsung’s “Fan Edition” lineup, which offers many features of Samsung’s flagship phones at a lower price. When it was released, it was a popular choice because it combined strong performance and useful features without the high cost of a full flagship model.
Samsung now supports newer phones for longer periods. Many new Android phones get updates for about seven years, but the Galaxy S20 FE came out before this policy. It means that this FE will no longer receive security updates.
The successor of the Galaxy S20 FE, the Galaxy S21 FE, is also nearing the end of its support, while the new Galaxy S25 FE is in its first year of a seven-year update plan. This means the S25 FE will continue to receive both Android and security updates until 2032.
For anyone still using the S20 FE, this is a good time to think about upgrading. Samsung is offering the Galaxy S25 FE at an amazing discount with a trade-in and even includes a free storage upgrade. While the S20 FE will still work, it will gradually lose protection against security threats.
Samsung has started rolling out the October 2025 security update for the Galaxy S21 FE. Right now, it is available for users in Vietnam, and it will reach other countries soon. This update comes soon after Samsung began releasing the One UI 8 update for the device.
October 2025 security update for Samsung Galaxy S21 FE arrives with the One UI build version G990EXXSJHYJ4 and is about 300MB in size. Even though it is not very large, it includes important security fixes. The latest security patch addresses over 30 security issues, some of which could put your phone at risk.
October 2025 security update is coming while Samsung is still rolling out One UI 8 for the Galaxy S21 FE. The One UI 8 update started last week, but many users in different countries are still waiting for it. Even though this major UI update is not yet available for everyone, Samsung is making sure devices get the latest security fixes first.
Image via golyigit2025 (X)
This security update rollout shows that Samsung is focused on keeping its users’ phones safe. Installing updates on time is important to protect your phone from security threats and ensure it works well.
To get the update, go to your phone’s Settings >> Software Update >> Download and Install. If you don’t see it right away, don’t worry. Samsung usually releases updates in phases, so it might take a few days to appear on your device.
Galaxy S21 FE users should check for this update and install it as soon as it is available. Keeping your phone updated will not only improve security but also help your device run better with the latest improvements.
Samsung has started expanding the October 2025 security update for its latest foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7. After first reaching users in Korea, the update is now available in India and Europe. This new update enhances the security and stability of the devices for everyday use.
October 2025 update mainly focuses on improving security and performance. It fixes 34 security issues found in both Android and Samsung’s own software. While there are no new features or major visual changes, the update helps make the phones safer and run more smoothly.
Users of Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 can identify the latest update by the firmware version ending with AYJ3. Although this update doesn’t bring visible changes, it’s important for maintaining the phone’s security and long-term performance.
Source – Samsung Mobile Press
Samsung’s new foldables come with One UI 8 based on Android 16 right out of the box. The company promises seven years of software updates, which means users will continue to get new features and security patches for a long time.
At the moment, Samsung is preparing the One UI 8.5 update. It will reportedly bring a refreshed design with more dynamic visuals and new features. Notably, this major update will debut with the Galaxy S26 series next year.
To install the latest security patch, go to Settings > Software update > Download and install. If the update is available for your device, it will start downloading automatically. It’s recommended to install this patch to keep your Galaxy Z Flip 7 or Fold 7 secure and running smoothly.
It was sunset on top of the tallest mountain in the continental United States, and I had two immediate priorities. One was dinner. As a long-distance backpacker on the Pacific Crest Trail, I was burning between 4,000 and 6,000 calories a day, and losing too much weight was a constant concern for myself and my friends. The other priority was 32.4 ounces of metal and glass clipped to the shoulder strap of my backpack: my camera. And as the sun sank towards the horizon, I kept neglecting my dinner in favor of keeping up with the ever-changing lighting.
As the saying attributed to P.T. Barnum goes, "There is no such thing as bad publicity." German company Böcker certainly subscribes to the view after turning a press photo of one of its ladders used in the daring Louvre Museum heist into a viral marketing campaign.
Leica photographers are finally getting support for tethering in Lightroom Classic. With version 15.0, the SL3 and Q3 camera systems are natively supported, meaning that no additional plugins are necessary for tethering to work.
Sigma's full-frame Foveon image sensor project has faced significant challenges, but the company's CEO says it is still working on Foveon image sensor development.
After taking the world by storm with last year's model, Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold had some big shoes to fill. It gets fairly close to doing just that, but repeatedly falls short in ways it shouldn't.
Google says we should "stay tuned for an exciting year ahead" with new Fitbit trackers and a revamped app with AI coaching. Here's what we know so far.
The Fitbit Personal Health Coach launches tomorrow in preview for a select group of people, and it gives Fitbits tools that no other smartwatches offer.
Retroid has now confirmed the release dates of both the Pocket 6 and Pocket G2. Arriving sooner than expected, the new Android gaming handhelds will ship at completely different times from each other.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is still a beloved game, seven years after its release. But if you're looking for more action at night, you can check out this mod that brings back a feature from Red Dead Redemption.
A new report has shared more details about Microsoft's next Xbox 'Magnus' console. Not only is Microsoft now rumoured to be switching to free console multiplayer, but the move to running future Xbox consoles with a modified version of Windows will allow it to support PC games while retaining backwards compatibility with older Xbox generations.
Oppo is reportedly working on a compact flagship tablet that will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Per Digital Chat Station, a reliable tipster, the pad will sport an 8.8-inch OLED display, and it could be rebranded as a OnePlus tab later.
Four new Sharp A series projectors for commercial use have been revealed in the US. The XP-A824U, the XP-A104U, the XP-A155U and the XP-A175U each have a laser light source, with the range-topping model offering up to 17,000 ISO lumens brightness. Plus, these WUXGA projectors offer two HDMI inputs.
A last-minute leak has detailed the global versions of Oppo's new flagships before their releases. Equipped with massive batteries, the Oppo Find X9 and Find X9 Pro will be the first devices to ship outside China with MediaTek's Dimensity 9500 chipsets, too.
Qualcomm is expanding beyond smartphones with two new AI data center chips, the AI200 and AI250, built on its mobile neural processing tech. Promising significant efficiency gains and 768 GB memory support, these chips aim to challenge Nvidia’s dominance and power Saudi Arabia’s next-gen AI infrastructure.
The Dreamegg Sunrise 1+ alarm clock and sound machine is now available in the US and the UK. This is an upgraded version of the original Sunrise 1, with improvements including more light modes and relaxing sound effects. Plus, the device gets a new custom routines feature thanks to the addition of a smartphone app.
Deal | The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 might be a great choice for people looking for a budget laptop with a touch-capable display. It comes equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X SoC, 16 GB of soldered RAM, and a 256 GB SSD (that's thankfully user-upgradable). Port selection is decent too for the $450 price point, as it even has a full-sized SD card reader.
After a recent update for the Garmin Connect app for Android, some users no longer feel a vibration when smart notifications arrived. This unannounced change left many owners of Garmin smartwatches venting their frustration on the brand’s forum. The company has since confirmed the issue and an upcoming resolution.
Another Amazfit smartwatch is currently receiving an update. Like other recent releases, software version 3.5.10.3 brings a heart rate related improvement to this wearable, as well as advanced running metrics and a few new sports modes. Plus, the Active 2 (Square) also gets enhanced audio in one scenario.
Nvidia N1X was reportedly delayed to 2026. Thanks to Moore's Law Is Dead, we now know when the actual release date of the Nvidia N1X ARM APU might fall. Per the leaker, consumers can expect the Nvidia N1X and Nvidia N1 in Q2 2026
Minisforum has updated its M1-1295 mini-PC with a cheaper variant. Still equipped with a powerful Intel processor to rival the CPU performance of the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, the Minisforum M1-1295 can now be picked up with a $329 starting price for a 30% saving on the device's original launch pricing.
A Framework user built a great-looking custom gaming console from a 13-inch mainboard, Oculink eGPU, and 3D-printed case. It's a great representation of how modular DIY design and active cooling can turn mystery parts into a powerful, portable PC.
According to the latest rumors, Apple is planning at least two significant camera upgrades for the iPhone 18 Pro (Max). The anniversary iPhone in 2027 will also be particularly exciting, as it is expected to be equipped with a camera sensor developed by Apple for the first time, which promises far better image quality thanks to new technology.
Anker Solix has launched the F3000, a powerful power station with a massive discount of $1,100. The solar generator offers 3 kWh and 3,600 W of continuous power, but can be expanded to 12 kWh.
Porsche reported a 99% drop in profits in the third quarter of 2025. Operating profit fell to just €40 million. The main reason for this was the expensive strategic shift toward electromobility, which involved billions in special expenses.
Xiaomi's 8.8-inch Pad Mini is suitable for anyone looking for a compact, modern, and powerful tablet. In our tests, the Pad Mini even surpasses competitors such as the Apple iPad Mini. However, the Xiaomi tablet isn't easy to get hold of.
Orico has outlined plans to release a new product at the start of November. A dead ringer for the Apple Mac Pro, the mysterious device could well be a tower PC case or a new NAS solution of some kind.
Released over ten years ago, Assassin's Creed Unity still hasn't been remastered. And in the meantime, Digital Dreams has made it look better than ever with an RTX 5090 and various mods.
EA has shared the release date for the battle royale mode in Battlefield 6. This will be a free to play mode that will not require purchasing the base game and will bring some interesting additions to the standard game mode.
Xiaomi has already launched the 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, but of course there's still one member missing from its latest flagship family - the 17 Ultra.
It's unclear exactly when this phone will be made official, but for reference note that the 15 Ultra (Xiaomi skipped the number 16 in order to match Apple's product naming scheme) got official this February. Today some more details about the Xiaomi 17 Ultra's cameras have been outed in China.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
According to Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the 17 Ultra will come with a new 50 MP main camera that supports better...
Samsung is seeding a new update for the Galaxy Buds3 series. The flagship earbuds were launched in July last year alongside the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6.
The Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro are receiving a firmware update. At the moment, the update is only available for users in South Korea. However, it is expected to be rolled out to users in other regions soon.
According to screenshots shared by users on Samsung's community forum, the update improves stability and fixes bugs. Unfortunately, the changelog doesn’t detail the fixes or improvements.
The Galaxy Buds3 update is...
Oppo announced the Find X9 and Find X9 Pro in China earlier this month, and now it's almost ready to take them to global markets as well. The company is live-streaming the global unveiling on YouTube, and you can find the stream embedded below.
The event starts on October 28 at 3 PM GMT / UK time, 4 PM in Germany and France, 8:30 PM in India, 8 AM in California, and 11 AM in New York.
The duo's European pricing surfaced last week, with the X9 allegedly starting at €999 and the Pro model going for €1,299.
In China, the Find X9 has a 6.59-inch AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate...
DJI’s compact camera line looks set for a refresh. Nearly two years after the Osmo Pocket 3 made its debut, leaked images of what’s believed to be the Osmo Pocket 4 have surfaced online. The upcoming model adds new physical controls and slight tweaks to its overall shape and size.
Pocket 4 (left), Pocket 3 (right)
A side-by-side comparison shot of the Osmo Pocket 3 and Pocket 4’s chassis has emerged online, showing the Pocket 4 stands slightly taller and narrower than the Pocket 3. Still, the redesign keeps that signature pocketable feel. This leak lines up with earlier footage from Barcelona, where what looked like a Pocket 4 prototype was spotted filming in public.
The most visible change is a new set of hardware buttons placed below the rotatable touchscreen, replacing the “Osmo” logo found on the Pocket 3. These could serve as shortcuts for recording, focus, or gimbal controls—making one-handed shooting much easier. Combined with reports that production is already underway, the leak suggests a launch could happen before early 2026.
The Osmo Pocket 3 set a high bar back in 2023 with its 1-inch CMOS sensor, 4K/120fps recording, and 2-inch rotatable OLED screen, though its 179g weight and short battery life left room for improvement. Previous rumors point to the Pocket 4 possibly adding a dual-camera setup. If true, it could mean a telephoto or depth camera for added versatility alongside the 1″ main camera.
DJI seems ready to respond with a more ergonomic, creator-friendly design. Whether it lands before the holidays or in early 2026, the Osmo Pocket 4 looks poised to be a small but meaningful upgrade for handheld storytellers everywhere.
It’s the season of flagship Android wars in China. Almost every major brand has unveiled a new device in the last month or so, each equipped with the latest processors, top-tier displays, and, thankfully, bigger batteries.
The Vivo X300 and Xiaomi 17 are two such contenders. On paper, both devices come loaded with high-end hardware, eye-catching designs, and the latest chips from MediaTek and Qualcomm.
But peel back the specs and the differences start to show. So let’s break down what really sets them apart.
Design and Build
Both the Vivo X300 and Xiaomi 17 share similar dimensions. It measures around 150mm tall and weighs just under 200 grams. They’re slim, premium slabs that feel engineered to impress.
Vivo’s design features glass on both sides, paired with an aluminum alloy frame, while Xiaomi opts for Dragon Crystal Glass on the front, complemented by an aluminum frame.
Both phones are IP68 rated, meaning they can withstand accidental water drops and dusty environments. However, Vivo takes it a step further with an IP69 rating, enabling it to withstand high-pressure water jets. That’s rare even among flagships, though it’s unlikely to make a meaningful difference in real-life use.
Display
Both phones use LTPO AMOLED panels with 120Hz refresh rates and 2160Hz PWM dimming, making them easier on the eyes at low brightness. Vivo’s display measures 6.31 inches, while Xiaomi’s is roughly the same at 6.3 inches.
Brightness is where Vivo pulls ahead. The X300 peaks at a massive 4,500 nits, while Xiaomi reaches up to 3,500 nits. Both are extremely bright and should deliver great outdoor visibility, regardless of the numbers.
In terms of color, both screens support HDR10+, HDR Vivid, and advanced tone mapping. Xiaomi adds Dolby Vision to the mix, giving it an edge when watching supported content on Netflix or YouTube.
Resolution-wise, both hover in the 1220–1260p range, offering crisp text and smooth visuals.
Performance: MediaTek vs Snapdragon
The two phones take very different approaches to performance. The X300 runs MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500, a 3nm chip with ARM C1 cores clocked up to 4.21GHz.
Xiaomi, on the other hand, ships with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, also built on a 3nm process and equipped with custom Oryon V3 cores running up to 4.6GHz.
On paper, Snapdragon’s architecture has the upper hand. It uses two 4.6GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix L cores and six 3.62GHz Phoenix M cores, paired with an Adreno 840 GPU—delivering top-tier gaming and raw compute performance. The Dimensity 9500’s 4.21GHz C1-Ultra and 3.5GHz C1-Premium cores aren’t far behind, and MediaTek’s Arm G1-Ultra GPU is also powerful.
In real-world use, both phones should feel incredibly fast. Scrolling, multitasking, and gaming happen without hesitation. Vivo’s OriginOS 6 (based on Android 16) feels smooth and responsive, while Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3 offers deep customization and similarly slick performance.
Cameras
This is where things get interesting. The Vivo X300 features a bold 200MP main sensor with OIS, a 50MP periscope telephoto, and a 50MP ultrawide. The system is tuned by Zeiss and includes Zeiss T* lens coating, laser autofocus, and even 3D LUT import for pro-grade color work.
The Xiaomi 17, meanwhile, sticks to a more traditional 50MP triple setup—50MP main, 50MP telephoto (2.6x optical), and 50MP ultrawide—with Leica-co-engineered optics.
Both phones offer flagship camera performance, and the final quality will come down to ISP tuning and post-processing. However, Vivo holds a clear advantage in flexibility, thanks to support for external photography accessories, including a telephoto extender that can deliver crisp shots at up to 200mm.
On the front, both devices use 50MP selfie cameras with 4K video support, but Xiaomi goes further with HDR10+ video capture and gyro-EIS.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is where Xiaomi dominates. The Xiaomi 17 packs a huge 7,000mAh cell along with 100W wired, 50W wireless, and 22.5W reverse wireless charging.
Vivo’s 6,040mAh battery with 90W wired and 40W wireless charging still offers strong endurance, easily lasting a day and a half, but Xiaomi simply goes farther. The difference between 6,040mAh and 7,000mAh will be noticeable, especially for heavy users.
Audio and Connectivity
Both phones skip the headphone jack but feature stereo speakers. Xiaomi’s setup is tuned for Dolby Atmos and Snapdragon Sound, with Hi-Res 24-bit/192kHz playback. Vivo’s speakers are clean, but lack Dolby branding.
Connectivity is top-tier on both devices, including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, infrared, and multi-band GPS. Vivo adds eSIM support internationally, which Xiaomi lacks, while Xiaomi includes DisplayPort output over USB-C, allowing it to connect directly to a monitor.
Verdict
The Vivo X300 and Xiaomi 17 show how differently two brands can approach the same idea: a compact 2025 flagship.
The Vivo X300 stands out with its brighter display, Zeiss-tuned 200MP camera, and cleaner design. It’s ideal for users who prioritize photography and aesthetics.
The Xiaomi 17 shines with its massive battery, Leica tuning, Snapdragon performance, and superior audio. It’s the better fit for power users who value endurance and versatility.
There’s no outright winner—just two flagships excelling in their own way.
Motorola is stirring excitement for its next mid-range entry, the Edge 70. This phone blends a super-slim profile with surprisingly generous launch deals. With the official reveal set for November 5, the company has already started teasing specs that make this phone look like an appealing option for casual users who prioritize design and in-hand experience.
Moto Edge 70
The Edge 70 packs a 4,800mAh silicon-carbon battery—larger than the iPhone Air’s 3,149mAh and even the Galaxy S25 Edge’s 3.900mAh—yet the chassis stays impressively thin at 5.99mm. Charging speeds are solid too, with 68W wired and 15W wireless support, promising up to two days of battery life.
Under the hood, Motorola is opting for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
Leaked Geekbench 6 CPU scores suggest performance on par with the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 of the Edge 60 Pro. The display sounds premium as well: a 6.7-inch 1.5K pOLED panel with 120Hz refresh, 4,500 nits peak brightness, and Gorilla Glass 7i protection. The camera setup features 50MP main and ultrawide lenses on the back, paired with a 50MP selfie shooter.
Where things really heat up is pricing. While Motorola hasn’t confirmed global prices yet, the Edge 70—sold in China as the X70 Air—appears to be positioned as an affordable rival to Apple’s iPhone Air and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge. In China, it’s available in two variants: 12GB + 256GB for 2,599 yuan (~$365) and 12GB + 512GB for 2,899 yuan (~$410).
For international buyers, Motorola appears to be stacking generous launch offers that could amount to over €550 (~$640) in savings through early-bird vouchers and regional promos. If those carry over to the final pricing, the expected €699 (~$760) tag could dip into Pixel 9a territory—a seriously competitive spot for what’s shaping up to be a near-flagship phone.
The Edge 70 will debut in Europe first, with India and the US expected to follow by December.
All the festival discounts end with Diwali, but there are some good offers. The Acer TravelLite series is designed specifically for digital nomads, offering a sleek, portable build. Amazon is providing an excellent discount on the Acer TravelLite Smart FHD TL04-51M laptop, allowing you to buy it for as low as ₹38,999.
The original Amazon listing price is ₹45,999, but applying the coupon reduces it by ₹7,000 to reach that lower price. Moreover, if you make a payment through a credit/debit card, you can get Rs 1500 discount, which makes the effective price of Acer’s laptop just Rs. 37,499.
Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Acer TravelLite Smart FHD TL04-51M Specification
Coming to the major specifications of the laptop. At its core, the TravelLite packs an Intel Core i5 processor 13th generation. Paired with 8GB of RAM and a spacious 512GB SSD, it should effortlessly handle everything from spreadsheets in Excel to video editing in Adobe Premiere or seamless Zoom calls and much more.
What truly sets the TravelLite apart is its travel or business-friendly DNA. Weighing under 1.5 kg with a slim 14-inch Full HD display boasting anti-glare tech and vibrant IPS panels, it’s built for long flights or other outside hustles. The battery life is claimed to last up to 10 hours on a single charge, perfect for all-day unplugged adventures. The laptop is packed with USB-C, HDMI, and Thunderbolt ports, ensuring you stay plugged into your ecosystem. Running on Windows 11 Home, it integrates smoothly with Microsoft 365 and offers Acer’s Care Center for easy diagnostics.
That being said, although priced originally higher, this Rs. 7,000 coupon slash brings premium specs into budget territory. So, if you’re looking for a reliable daily driver that won’t weigh you down, then bag the Acer TravelLite now from Amazon India.
Baseus has officially launched a new 100W power bank in China. The product is now available on JD.com with a retail price of 199 yuan ($28). It features a 20,000mAh battery, a 3C + 1A output layout, and built-in dual USB-C charging cables that eliminate the need to carry separate cables.
Baseus 100W Power Bank Specifications
The power bank supports 100W fast charging and is designed to work with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, handheld consoles, and cameras. According to Baseus, it can charge a 13-inch MacBook Air up to 36% in just 30 minutes. It also supports up to 65W input for self-charging and can fully recharge itself in approximately 2.5 hours.
Baseus has included support for several charging protocols such as PD, PPS, UFCS, QC, FCP, AFC, and SCP. The power bank is compatible with major brands, including Apple, Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, and Samsung. It delivers up to 100W via its USB-C port and the USB-C1 cable, 50W via the USB-C2 cable, and 22.5W via the USB-A port. It can charge Xiaomi phones at 55W and iPhones at up to 45W.
The device features an ergonomic and compact design that is 24% smaller and 40% thinner than typical 20,000mAh power banks. It weighs around 420 grams and measures 152.1 × 66 × 26.5mm. The surface uses a smooth, skin-friendly coating, and the body includes soft R-shaped edges for improved grip. The built-in charging cables are made from dual-weave high-density braiding and interlock to form a convenient carrying loop.
Internally, the power bank houses four high-density 5000mAh cells with a total energy rating of 73Wh. It uses a graphene-based dual heat dissipation system to prevent overheating. It also comes with an onboard AI temperature control chip that monitors thermal conditions 36,000 times per hour to ensure stable performance.
Baseus has added nine layers of protection, covering overvoltage, overcurrent, short circuit, temperature, and electromagnetic interference. The product is available in Starry Blue, Moonlight Beige, and Interstellar Black color options.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
OnePlus’ latest launch event wasn’t just about phones. Alongside the OnePlus 15 and Ace 6, the company also unveiled the OnePlus Pad 2 for the Chinese market.
Before we get into the details, there’s one thing to clear up. OnePlus’ tablet naming scheme differs internationally and in the mainland.
Globally, the company has already launched the OnePlus Pad 3 with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. It’s the successor to 2024’s Pad 2 that comes with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
This means the China branding is technically a generation behind. Still, the Pad 2’s hardware lines up with what you’d expect from a premium 2025 tablet.
OnePlus Pad 2 Specifications
The OnePlus Pad 2 features a 12.1-inch 3K display (3000 × 2120) with a 144Hz dynamic refresh rate, a 540Hz touch sampling rate, and 900 nits of peak brightness. OnePlus claims it can push 144fps in select mobile titles.
Powering the device is the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+, a flagship-tier chip with an AnTuTu score of over 3.05 million, paired with an ultra-large vapor-cooling system covering more than 46,000mm².
Despite the horsepower, the tablet remains slim at 5.99mm and weighs just 579 grams.
On the software side, it runs ColorOS 16, which includes a few additions for gamers and students alike. A new “Game Camera” feature lets users capture ultra-clear Live Photo screenshots or replay up to 30 seconds of gameplay.
For note-takers, the OS brings handwriting beautification and intelligent content extraction tools to improve the experience during online classes. The Pad 2 also supports a panoramic virtual screen mode that can open three apps side-by-side, along with two additional floating windows.
Inside, there’s a 10,420mAh battery with 67W SuperVOOC charging, and OnePlus claims the system is optimized for “five years of lasting smoothness.” The tablet also supports PC-level WPS Office, multi-window workflows, and even custom font installations.
Price and Availability
The OnePlus Pad 2 starts at 2,799 yuan (≈ $380) for the 8GB + 256GB model, with 12GB + 256GB and 16GB + 512GB variants priced at 3,099 yuan and 3,599 yuan, respectively.
Open sales begin on October 30, and early buyers will receive a one-year screen protection plan worth 249 yuan at no additional cost. Meanwhile, students can claim a free stylus worth 399 yuan during the pre-sale period.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
As smartphone innovation hits new heights, the battle between Oppo Find X9 Pro and Honor Magic8 Pro captures the essence of next-gen flagship competition. Both models redefine performance, camera prowess, and design finesse in 2025’s premium segment. This comparison matters because it highlights how two leading brands interpret “ultimate innovation” differently, balancing endurance, photography, and speed to meet the demands of modern power users seeking the perfect all-rounder.
Design and Display
Build and Feel:
Both the Oppo Find X9 Pro and Honor Magic8 Pro deliver premium craftsmanship, but their design philosophies differ subtly. Oppo leans toward a sleek, minimalist look with a Gorilla Glass build and aluminum frame, offering a smooth, unified aesthetic. The Honor Magic8 Pro, meanwhile, opts for Giant Rhino Glass protection with a slightly more robust, futuristic edge that aligns with its flagship identity. Both feature IP68/IP69 ratings, ensuring resistance to dust, immersion, and even high-pressure water jets, ideal for rugged or outdoor users.
In practical terms, the Find X9 Pro feels slightly denser and solid in the hand, while the Magic8 Pro balances its weight more efficiently, offering better grip comfort during prolonged use. The overall ergonomics favor the Honor slightly due to its narrower frame, though Oppo’s precision finish gives it a more luxurious touch.
Verdict: The Oppo Find X9 Pro wins on aesthetic elegance and seamless finish, whereas the Honor Magic8 Pro offers better hand-feel and durability. For users valuing style and refinement, Oppo stands out; for those prioritizing practicality and toughness, Honor is more compelling.
Display Quality:
The Oppo Find X9 Pro’s LTPO AMOLED panel boasts 1B colors, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and a 3600-nit peak brightness, more than sufficient for outdoor visibility and vibrant contrast. In contrast, the Honor Magic8 Pro raises the bar with a 4320Hz PWM dimming frequency, HDR Vivid, and a staggering 6000-nit peak brightness, making it one of the brightest smartphone displays available.
Color reproduction is rich on both, though Honor’s calibration tends toward natural, slightly warmer tones, while Oppo delivers deeper blacks and cinematic contrast ideal for HDR streaming. Motion handling is equally fluid at 120Hz, but the Magic8 Pro’s ultra-high PWM ensures superior eye comfort during long use, minimizing flicker fatigue.
Verdict: The Honor Magic8 Pro clearly leads in display brightness and visual comfort, making it the better pick for media consumption and outdoor use. However, Oppo’s color depth and Dolby Vision integration give it a more refined multimedia experience. Users prioritizing brightness and longevity will appreciate Honor’s edge.
Specifications
Performance:
The Oppo Find X9 Pro runs on MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500, a 3nm powerhouse, while the Honor Magic8 Pro wields the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, one of Qualcomm’s most powerful chips to date. The Snapdragon offers better thermal control and higher sustained performance, especially for gaming, AI tasks, and multitasking.
While Oppo’s C1 custom cores deliver impressive speeds and stability, the Honor Magic8 Pro’s Oryon cores demonstrate superior efficiency and raw output in benchmark comparisons. GPU performance also tilts toward Honor’s Adreno 840, offering smoother rendering in demanding 3D environments. Both pair with fast UFS 4.0/4.1 storage and up to 16GB RAM, ensuring fluid multitasking.
Verdict: The Honor Magic8 Pro takes the lead with its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which provides more consistent peak performance and better optimization across apps and games. The Oppo Find X9 Pro, though slightly behind, remains highly capable and thermally efficient, making it a more battery-friendly performer.
Battery and Charging:
Battery life is a key differentiator here. Oppo’s 7500mAh battery provides impressive endurance with balanced 80W wired and 50W wireless charging, plus 10W reverse wireless support. Honor counters with a 7200mAh global variant (6270mAh in Europe), but compensates with faster 120W wired and 80W wireless charging.
In real-world use, Oppo offers slightly longer runtime due to its power-efficient chipset and larger capacity, while Honor’s faster charging system can restore power in nearly half the time. The inclusion of reverse wired and high-power wireless charging options makes Honor a more versatile charging hub for other devices.
Verdict: Oppo wins in longevity and energy optimization, while Honor dominates in speed and convenience. For heavy users needing quick top-ups, the Magic8 Pro’s 120W system is unmatched; for endurance-focused users, the Find X9 Pro’s 7500mAh cell remains superior.
Camera
Main and Secondary Lenses:
Both flagships bring exceptional camera setups, but their imaging philosophies diverge. Oppo’s collaboration with Hasselblad delivers natural color science and precise dynamic range tuning, supported by a 50MP wide, 200MP periscope, and 50MP ultrawide trio. Honor’s setup mirrors this but with slightly larger sensors, particularly its 200MP periscope and 50MP ultrawide, optimized for low-light clarity and fine detail.
Honor’s 3.7x optical zoom offers sharper telephoto results, while Oppo’s color calibration provides a more balanced, true-to-life tone, particularly in daylight scenes. In the video, both offer 4K up to 120fps with 10-bit HDR and OIS, but Oppo’s Dolby Vision recording gives it a cinematic advantage.
Verdict: Honor edges ahead for zoom and low-light performance, but Oppo counters with superior color depth and professional-grade color science. For photography enthusiasts, Honor’s sensor array offers more versatility, while content creators will prefer Oppo’s cinematic HDR video output.
Selfie Camera:
Oppo’s 50MP front camera produces sharp, natural portraits, enhanced by its precise color calibration and gyro-EIS for steady 4K video. Honor’s 50MP sensor is equally capable but gains an edge through its additional TOF 3D sensor, enhancing facial depth, biometric accuracy, and background separation in portrait shots.
Honor’s dual-sensor setup delivers better face mapping for secure Face ID and more professional bokeh effects, while Oppo focuses on clarity and dynamic range, particularly under mixed lighting.
Verdict: The Honor Magic8 Pro secures the win with its dual-sensor system and Face ID capabilities, giving it more functionality and accuracy. Oppo’s single-lens system still excels in realism and sharpness, ideal for those who value natural tones over AI processing.
Pricing
The Oppo Find X9 Pro is priced around $800, while the Honor Magic8 Pro costs approximately $850. Given the minor $50 difference, both deliver flagship-grade specifications, but Honor offers a longer software promise, 7 major Android upgrades versus Oppo’s 5.
Honor’s inclusion of faster charging, higher peak brightness, and the more powerful Snapdragon chip justifies the slight premium. However, Oppo delivers greater value through its larger battery, refined design, and Hasselblad-backed camera tuning.
Verdict: For future-proofing and raw power, Honor’s extra investment feels warranted. For balanced value and endurance, Oppo remains the smarter buy for those seeking flagship performance without the highest price tag.
Conclusion
Both phones push flagship innovation, but in different ways. The Oppo Find X9 Pro stands out with Hasselblad color tuning, ultrasonic fingerprint technology, and satellite connectivity (exclusive to its 1TB variant). The Honor Magic8 Pro differentiates itself with Face ID, emergency SOS satellite calls, 6000-nit display brightness, and industry-leading 120W charging.
Each device caters to a different flagship philosophy. Oppo emphasizes design finesse, endurance, and balanced performance, while Honor targets users wanting cutting-edge display tech and superior connectivity.
Verdict: The Honor Magic8 Pro emerges as the more future-forward device with its extended software support and superior hardware integration. However, the Oppo Find X9 Pro offers a more cohesive, refined flagship experience, appealing to users seeking luxury, endurance, and timeless reliability.
The OnePlus 15 has barely launched in China, but it’s already finding its way into the hands of eager international buyers. Thanks to import retailers like Giztop, the phone is available globally ahead of its official release — packing Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and flagship hardware at a surprisingly aggressive price.
Launched in China on October 27, the OnePlus 15 is the company’s first phone powered by Qualcomm’s 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. In China, pricing starts at CNY 3,999 (~$561) for the 12GB/256GB variant and goes up to CNY 5,399 (~$758) for 16GB/1TB. Importers like Giztop currently list it at the following prices:
12GB/256GB – $699
12GB/512GB – $799
16GB/512GB – $849
16GB/256GB – $749
16GB/1TB – $949
Buyers can choose between Black, Purple, and Titanium color options.
Early import units run ColorOS 16 (Android 16-based) with multi-language support, but also come with pre-installed regional apps and reportedly no official warranty — meaning any issues rely on seller policies.
The specs are undeniably premium: a 6.78-inch, 1.5K LTPO AMOLED display with 165Hz refresh rate. Thanks to the 8 Elite Gen 5, it can even hit 165fps in supported games, including Call of Duty Mobile, League of Legends Mobile, and Naruto Mobile. There’s a massive 7,300mAh battery this year, up from 6000 mAh of the OnePlus 13.
The phone packs a 7,300mAh silicon-carbon battery with 120W wired and 50W wireless charging, along with a 50MP triple-camera setup that includes a 3.5x periscope telephoto lens. Interested readers can check out our launch coverage for a full breakdown of features.
And for those willing to wait for the global version with localized software and warranty, November 13 seems to be the date to mark.
OnePlus has launched the Ace 6 in China, targeting gamers with powerful performance, vibrant visuals, and smart power management. The device sits below the OnePlus 15 in the lineup and is expected to launch globally as the OnePlus 15R.
OnePlus Ace 6 Specifications
The OnePlus Ace 6 has a 6.83-inch flat OLED display with a 2800×1272 resolution and 450ppi density. It supports adaptive refresh rates from 60Hz to 165Hz, 10-bit color, full DCI-P3 coverage, and up to 1,800 nits peak brightness.
The screen includes TÜV Rheinland Intelligent Eye Protection 5.0, low-flicker PWM dimming, and DC-like dimming above 70 nits. It also offers AI blink reminders, adaptive color temperature, sunlight mode for outdoor visibility, and a night reading mode for comfort in low light.
Under the hood, the device runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip built on a 3nm process, featuring an octa-core CPU and Adreno 830 GPU clocked at 1.1GHz. It integrates a WindChaser Gaming Engine that synchronizes CPU, GPU, and NPU to maintain 165fps performance in games.
The phone also includes an eSports Triple-Chip setup with a dedicated performance chip, G2 network chip, and Lingxi touch chip to cut latency and stabilize frames. It offers up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB UFS 4.1 storage.
The device runs ColorOS 16 based on Android 16, offering new AI-based features such as AI Flash Notes, cross-device collaboration with iPhones and Macs, and real-time multi-screen connectivity.
Talking about optics, the rear camera setup includes a 50MP Sony IMX906 main sensor with OIS and EIS and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. It supports 4K video recording at up to 120fps. The front camera features a 16MP sensor with support for 1080p video at 30fps.
The phone packs a dual-cell 7,800mAh battery that supports 120W SuperVOOC charging. OnePlus claims the phone charges to 50% in 16 minutes and fully charges in 43 minutes. The device includes a bypass charging feature to reduce heat during gaming and supports multiple fast-charging standards such as UFCS, PPS, PD, and QC.
The OnePlus Ace 6 offers IP66, IP68, and IP69K water and dust resistance. It features an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, an X-axis haptic motor, dual stereo speakers with OReality Audio effects, and NFC. For connectivity, it includes dual-SIM 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4 with LHDC 5.0.
Pricing and Availability
The OnePlus Ace 6 is available in Quick Silver, Racing Black, and Flash White. Pricing in China is as follows:
12 GB + 256 GB: 2,599 yuan (≈ $364)
16 GB + 256 GB: 2,899 yuan (≈ $406)
12 GB + 512 GB: 3,099 yuan (≈ $434)
16 GB + 512 GB: 3,399 yuan (≈ $476)
16 GB + 1 TB: 3,899 yuan (≈ $546)
The phone is currently on sale in China, with a global launch expected in the near future.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
OnePlus has officially unveiled the OnePlus 15 in China, featuring Android’s best chip, a 165Hz screen, and a big battery. It’s also the first OnePlus phone in years to move past the Hasselblad camera partnership. Instead, the company is introducing its own LUMO Imaging technology.
The OnePlus 15 is a spec-heavy device in most areas, but the display is clearly the star of the show. At the launch event, OnePlus spent most of its time talking about the screen — and it’s easy to see why.
A world first
OnePlus claims the 15 is the first phone in the world with a 165Hz refresh rate. To be specific, 165Hz with 1.5K resolution. And the claims are that it improves response time by 10 milliseconds and display speed by 27%.
The company is leaning into gaming to make full use of this ultra-high refresh rate. The screen supports native 165fps gameplay for popular esports titles like Call of Duty Mobile, League of Legends Mobile, and Naruto Mobile, while it is also compatible with 144Hz and 120Hz modes.
The display itself is the third-generation “Oriental Screen ” from BOE built on OnePlus’ self-developed production line. OnePlus says its display metrics surpass DisplayMate A++ standards, with hardware-level low blue light, a 1-nit true dark mode, and industry-low flicker (SVM < 0.12) for improved eye comfort. It’s also the first display to receive the new “Little Gold Label” eye-protection certification in China.
Under the Hood
The OnePlus 15 runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. According to OnePlus, the SoC delivers 20% higher CPU performance, 35% lower CPU power draw, and 23% better GPU performance, all while consuming 20% less energy.
To make use of that power, OnePlus introduced what it calls a “Fengchi Gaming Core (in Chinese),” a system-level gaming optimization engine that enables sustained 165fps gameplay. The company also says it’s the first Android phone with touch-display synchronization for improved touch accuracy and consistency during long gaming sessions.
Networking performance also gets a boost from the new G2 esports network chip, which reduces latency by up to 65%, speeds up game updates by 71%, and improves video upload speeds by 42% under network congestion.
Of course, this level of performance generates heat. To manage that, the OnePlus 15 uses a “Glacier Cooling System” featuring an ultra-thin steel vapor chamber that increases liquid cooling space by 43% and doubles capillary water absorption efficiency. It also incorporates aerospace-grade supercritical aerogel to keep the phone cool to the touch.
Powering everything is a 7,300mAh battery with 120W wired and 50W wireless charging. OnePlus says a 5-minute charge gives up to 6 hours of video playback, while 13 minutes can refill 5,000mAh.
In real-world testing, the company claims the OnePlus 15 can run large FPS games at 165fps for up to 7.6 hours, stream short videos for 19 hours, or handle navigation for 12 hours straight.
The OnePlus 15 borrows a page from console gaming as it has a gyroscope of the same specifications used in the PS5 controller. Its 200Hz sampling rate improves aiming accuracy by 77% and cuts latency by 11%, claims OnePlus.
Cameras
For imaging, the OnePlus 15 debuts the LUMO Imaging System, pairing a 50MP Sony sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultrawide, and a 3.5x optical periscope telephoto lens of the same megapixel count. The camera supports 4K 120fps Dolby video recording. There is a 32MP sensor on the front for selfies.
On the software side, it ships with ColorOS 16, offering AI tools such as automatic video summaries, AI mind mapping, and quick bill recording. The phone also supports multi-device mirroring across Mac, iPhone, smartwatch, and PC. Other features include an IP69K rating, USB 3.2 Gen 1, and dual stereo speakers.
Price and Availability
The OnePlus 15 starts at 3,999 yuan (around $560) in China and is set to go on sale beginning on October 28.
Here’s the full pricing breakdown:
12GB + 256GB: 3,999 CNY (~Rs 49,530 | ~$560)
12GB + 512GB: 4,299 CNY (~Rs 53,250 | ~$600)
16GB + 256GB: 4,599 CNY (~Rs 56,970 | ~$645)
16GB + 512GB: 4,899 CNY (~Rs 60,680 | ~$690)
16GB + 1TB: 5,399 CNY (~Rs 66,890 | ~$760)
The phone comes in Mist Purple, Sand Storm, and Absolute Black.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Xiaomi has added the Portable Photo Printer Pro to its global website. The compact printer is designed to bring professional-quality photo printing to everyday users.
The printer uses professional dye-sublimation printing technology to produce sharp, high-definition photos. It supports a 313 dpi resolution, a wide 16.7 million colour gamut, and 256 levels of greyscale, ensuring smooth colour transitions and realistic details. Each print captures accurate tones and true-to-life clarity.
Each photo is automatically laminated during printing, protecting it from moisture, fingerprints, and fading. Xiaomi says this feature keeps prints bright and clear over time, helping preserve memories for years. The Portable Photo Printer Pro is small enough to fit in one hand (measures 86.8 x 142.5 millimeters and 26.8 millimeters thick) and can easily be carried in a backpack or jacket pocket.
The printer connects directly to smartphones through Bluetooth using the Xiaomi Home app. It also supports multi-user connections for up to three users, allowing friends and family to print from their own phones without additional setup.
Users can print live photos and AR photos that include short videos (up to 15 seconds) or audio clips (up to 60 seconds). You can also add borders, dates, and watermarks, or use photo templates for collages, stickers, and creative layouts. The Portable Photo Printer Pro has an inbuilt 880 mAh battery.
Price and Availability
The Xiaomi Portable Photo Printer Pro is currently available in the UK for £109.99 and in Europe for €129.99. It is expected to roll out to other regions soon, depending on local distribution channels.
Thinking about giving your creativity a new spark this Halloween? Whether you’re crafting spooky decor, engraving personalized gifts, or looking for the ultimate maker’s treat, a Creality Falcon Laser Engraver could be the best gift for yourself or a loved one. This season of creativity and mischief is the perfect time to bring ideas to life with precision and style.
But with so many models to choose from, it’s natural to wonder, which Falcon should you buy? Should you start small or go all-in with a professional-grade engraver? This Creality Falcon Buyer’s Guide breaks down different models, from the beginner-friendly Falcon A1 to the smart and powerful A1 Pro, and the industrial Falcon2 Pro, helping you find your perfect creative match and grab the best festive discounts.
Step 1: Understand What You Need
Before you buy, think about how you’ll use your engraver.
Are you a hobbyist or student wanting to create art and gifts?
Do you run a small business selling custom products?
Or are you a professional looking for an industrial-grade tool for batch production?
For Beginners & Hobbyists: The Creality Falcon A1 Series
If you’re new to laser engraving, the Falcon A1 (10W) is a fantastic place to start. It’s pre-assembled, compact, and extremely beginner-friendly; just unpack, plug in, and start creating. With its CoreXY motion system, it engraves up to three times faster than similar models while maintaining sharp precision.
The A1’s built-in auto material recognition system detects your material and automatically adjusts settings, so there’s no guesswork. Its smart camera allows live previews, drag-and-drop alignment, and accurate positioning, perfect for first-time creators.
You can engrave on wood, leather, paper, dark acrylic, and fabric, ideal for making gifts, keychains, nameplates, and home décor. Compact enough for desktops and classrooms, it’s safe, easy, and efficient, a truly “plug-and-play” start to your laser journey.
Step Up Your Skills: Falcon A1 Pro (20W)
Once you’re ready to go beyond simple crafts, the Falcon A1 Pro (20W) unlocks a new level of speed, detail, and versatility. It doubles the power of the A1, handles thicker materials, and even supports an optional 2W Infrared Laser Head for direct metal engraving.
You can work with over 350 materials, including wood, acrylic, glass, metal, stone, and ceramics. The AI Vision Autofocus system ensures every engraving is sharp to within 0.012 inches, while the HD camera helps trace designs or batch-process multiple pieces at once.
The A1 Pro is also smart. With app control, you can monitor progress, receive safety alerts, and start or stop jobs remotely. Its intuitive touchscreen interface feels like using a smartphone. For creators running small online shops (like on Etsy), this machine delivers professional results without the industrial footprint.
For Professionals: Falcon2 Pro (40W / 60W)
For professionals and small businesses, the Falcon2 Pro Series is the powerhouse of the lineup. Available in 22W, 40W, and 60W, it’s an enclosed, safety-certified, industrial-grade laser engraver and cutter.
Built for high-volume production, the Falcon2 Pro can cut through 22mm wood, 30mm acrylic, and even 0.2mm stainless steel in a single pass. It’s equipped with integrated air assist, adjustable laser beams, and a bonus 1.6W fine-engraving laser module (included with 40W and 60W versions).
The built-in HD camera and auto-positioning system simplify alignment and batch production. With FDA Class 1 certification, multiple safety sensors, and an enclosed design, it’s safe for workshops, studios, and home businesses alike.
Professionals will appreciate its rotary engraving compatibility, enabling 360° engraving on bottles, cups, and cylindrical items. It also supports Creality’s AP1 Air Purifier, keeping your workspace smoke-free and clean.
Choosing the Right Creality Falcon for You
Your Goal
Recommended Model
Why It Fits
Learn laser engraving & create at home
Falcon A1 (10W)
Affordable, compact, and ready-to-use
Grow a small craft or online business
Falcon A1 Pro (20W)
More power, smarter workflow, wider material support
Run a professional workshop or studio
Falcon2 Pro (40W/60W)
Industrial-grade precision, enclosed safety, and large-scale production capabilities
Halloween 2025 Sale Highlights
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy, now’s your chance:
Falcon A1 Series: Up to 18% OFF
Falcon2 Pro Series: Up to 15% OFF Sale Period: October 20–30, 202
Create, Upgrade, or Go Pro
Laser engraving isn’t just a hobby anymore; it’s a creative gateway. Whether you’re designing Halloween ornaments, making custom gifts for friends, or running a growing craft business, Creality’s Falcon Series gives you the right mix of power, safety, and smart features for every stage of your journey.
The Falcon A1 makes creation effortless for beginners, while the A1 Pro bridges the gap between passion and profit with faster speeds and advanced controls. For professionals and small studios, the Falcon2 Pro delivers unmatched precision, cutting depth, and enclosed safety, built to handle large-scale production with ease.
This Halloween, don’t just buy another gadget, invest in creativity. With up to 18% off the Falcon A1 Series and 15% off the Falcon2 Pro, it’s the perfect moment to treat yourself (or surprise a fellow maker) with a gift that keeps on creating all year long. From spooky engravings to festive crafts, your next masterpiece starts with a Creality Falcon.
OPPO has announced a new phase of collaboration with Google to improve how users experience AI on their phones. The partnership focuses on three main areas: personalized AI features, better AI model deployment, and stronger privacy protection.
Kai Tang, President of Software Engineering at OPPO, said, “Working closely with partners like Google allows us to integrate next-generation AI experiences that are not only powerful but also highly personalized and secure.”
Mind Space integrated with Gemini
A key part of this collaboration is a new app called Mind Space, launching with the OPPO Find X9 Series, which is scheduled to debut on October 28. Mind Space helps users collect and organize on-screen content, such as text, images, or web pages, using a simple three-finger swipe. All saved content is stored in one place and automatically sorted for easy access.
OPPO has worked with Google to connect Mind Space to Gemini. This integration allows Gemini to access content from Mind Space and help users take action with it. For example, someone planning a trip can save articles and notes in Mind Space and then ask Gemini to create a detailed itinerary. Users can choose exactly what Gemini can see or use from within Mind Space, keeping control over their data.
Gemini-powered features on Find X9 Series
Gemini will also work with other OPPO apps. Users can chat with Gemini to get help, edit photos using the Nano Banana image editing model, or ask questions through Gemini Live. Gemini Live can respond to what users see on their screen or through their camera, offering visual help such as showing steps to fix a device or organize storage.
Built on privacy and trust
All these features are backed by OPPO’s AI Private Computing Cloud, which uses Google Cloud’s confidential computing services. This setup ensures that all AI processing happens in a secure and encrypted environment. Sensitive data remains private and cannot be accessed by any third party, including OPPO.
Launching with Find X9 Series
The full range of these AI features will be available on the OPPO Find X9 Series and ColorOS 16. Buyers of the Find X9 or Find X9 Pro will get a free three-month subscription to Google AI Pro, which includes access to premium Gemini tools and 2TB of cloud storage.
Google has redesigned AI Studio with a new AI-powered vibe coding feature that lets anyone go from a simple prompt to a working AI app in minutes. The update removes the need to handle API keys or connect multiple models manually, making app creation faster and easier.
Start with a Prompt
Users can now describe the kind of app they want, and AI Studio automatically connects the right models and APIs using Gemini. For example, you can build tools like Veo to generate videos from a script, or Nano Banana for AI-powered image editing. You can even create a writing app that checks sources through Google Search. The new system removes the need to work with separate APIs, SDKs, or services. Just describe your idea, and AI Studio builds it. If you need a quick idea, the “I’m Feeling Lucky” button can generate a random project for you.
Get Ideas and Inspiration
The App Gallery has been redesigned into a visual library of sample projects made with Gemini. You can explore them, view starter code, and remix them into your own. The new Brainstorming Loading Screen shows Gemini-generated ideas while your app is building, giving you more inspiration as you wait.
Edit Apps Easily
The new Annotation Mode makes editing simple. You can point to any part of your app and tell Gemini what to change. For example, you can say “make this button blue” or “animate the image from the left,” and it will update right away. You no longer need to dig through lines of code to make small changes.
Keep Working Without Stops
If you reach your free usage limit, you can add your own API key and continue coding. AI Studio will switch back automatically when your free tier renews.
So the rumors were true after all. Nothing has officially confirmed the launch of its next smartphone, the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite, and it’s arriving very soon on October 29, just two days from now.
Unlike most Nothing launches that come with weeks of cryptic teasers and marketing buzz, this one’s happening almost instantly. The first teaser dropped today, and the phone will hit the stage on Wednesday. A bit surprising to come from Nothing.
Still, it aligns with earlier leaks, which revealed that the device’s first sale could begin on November 4.
What to expect from the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite
The Phone (3a) Lite will reportedly be offered in a single variant with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, and will be available in the brand’s signature black and white color options.
Under the hood, the device is said to be powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 7300 chipset, featuring four Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.5GHz and four Cortex-A55 cores at 2GHz, paired with a Mali-G615 GPU.
The device has appeared on Geekbench running Android 15, but it could launch with Android 16 instead, as Nothing has now begun rolling out Android 16 to existing Phone (3a) users.
As for pricing, the phone is expected to cost €249.99 (around $290) in France, with some European markets possibly getting it for as low as €239.99. For comparison, the regular Phone (3a) starts at €349.99.
There’s no word yet on whether the trademark Glyph Interface or Nothing’s minimalist design will see changes. But given the company’s track record, we can expect the same transparent aesthetic. The teaser shows a blinking light on the back, though.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
XMG has launched the new FUSION 15 (L25), the most portable model in its current FUSION lineup. Built with a 15.3-inch aluminium body and weighing 1.95 kilograms, it serves as the Intel version of the XMG CORE 15. The laptop is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor and is the only XMG model that offers the GeForce RTX 5050 GPU, along with options for the RTX 5060 and RTX 5070.
The FUSION 15 has a 2560 x 1600 IPS display with a 300 Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, and 100 percent sRGB color coverage. The 99.8 Wh battery provides over 10 hours of video streaming and lasts even longer for light office work. With a focus on efficiency, this model is smaller than the 16-inch FUSION 16, measuring 342 x 236 x 22 mm.
The cooling system uses two 70 mm fans and 132 copper fins to manage heat through two rear vents. Both the CPU and GPU are cooled with Honeywell PTM7958 phase-change thermal pads.
The XMG Control Center lets users fine-tune power and fan settings. GPU power can be set between 50 and 115 watts, and CPU power from 10 to 90 watts. Custom fan curves can also be defined. NVIDIA Optimus automatically switches between integrated and dedicated graphics, but users can choose to run only on iGPU or dGPU if needed.
The laptop supports up to 128 GB of DDR5 RAM and 16 TB of SSD storage through two SO-DIMM and two M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots. RAM speeds reach 6400 MT/s, and pre-applied thermal pads help maintain temperature stability.
Ports include Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1 and 2.0b, Mini DisplayPort 2.1, USB-C 3.2 Gen2, three USB-A 3.2 Gen1, Gigabit LAN, an audio jack, and an SD Express card reader. It supports Wi-Fi 7 and can connect up to five external monitors.
The edge-to-edge keyboard has per-key RGB lighting, a numeric keypad, and N-key rollover. A large 123 x 77.5 mm Mylar touchpad and a Full HD webcam with a privacy shutter are also included.
Pricing & availability
The base model with an RTX 5050, 16 GB DDR5-5600 RAM, and 1 TB SSD is priced at €1,549 including VAT. It is available now on bestware.com.
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Last week, iQOO held a launch event to announce the iQOO 15 in China. The brand has already confirmed that the device will be heading to India next month (November). A new “Guess the Launch Date” teaser released by iQOO India CEO Nipun Marya has revealed its possible unveiling date.
The above teaser has revealed the iQOO 15’s design for the Indian market. The spinning wheel in the teaser momentarily stops on 27 / 11 three times, indicating that November 27 could be its launch date.
The variant shown in the teaser has a sleek white finish and RGB lighting around the camera island. The imprinted text in the camera module confirms that it will support 100x digital zoom. Recent teasers have revealed that it will be iQOO’s first phone to arrive with the OriginOS 6 UI onboard.
iQOO 15 specifications
The iQOO 15 available in China has a 6.85-inch AMOLED screen that offers a 2K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and an anti-reflection film. Under the hood, the device is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and up to 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage. It has a 7,000mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging support.
The iQOO 15 has a 32-megapixel camera on the front. Its rear camera setup has a Sony IMX921 50-megapixel primary camera, a Samsung JN1 ultra-wide lens, and a Sony LYT-600 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera. It is also equipped with other features, such as a metal middle frame, an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor, dual speakers, a USB-C (3.2 Gen 1) port, and an IP68/69-rated body.
With a starting price of 4,199 Yuan (~Rs 51,800), the iQOO 15 is available in four shades, such as silver-red, green, white, and black. It also comes in a special King of Glory Collector’s Edition with a blue paint job.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Xiaomi has officially started pushing out HyperOS 3 globally, its latest Android 16-based skin that promises a cleaner design, better performance, and tighter device integration across its ecosystem. The company announced the rollout on October 25, via its official X account, confirming that the new Xiaomi 15T and 15T Pro are the first to receive it.
The initial builds — OS3.0.3.0.WOEEUXM for the 15T and OS3.0.4.0.WOSEUXM for the 15T Pro — arrive as OTA updates, and they also reportedly include the October security patch. The rollout begins in Europe, with other regions to follow soon. Users can check for updates under Settings > About Phone > System Update as availability expands in the coming days.
Interestingly, Xiaomi’s mid-range 15T models are getting the new OS ahead of the flagship Xiaomi 15 and 15 Ultra, which feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. The 15T Pro, powered by the Dimensity 9400+, will effectively serve as the first global test group for the refined platform.
According to Xiaomi’s rollout roadmap, the 15 and 15 Ultra, Redmi Note 14, and Poco F7/X7 series will follow in November, with the Xiaomi 14, Poco F6, and other 2024 models getting the update by late November or early December.
HyperOS 3 introduces a new “Hyper Island” quick menu for media, navigation, and notifications, along with faster performance and improved cross-device syncing between phones, tablets, and wearables. With this update, Xiaomi continues closing the software gap with Apple’s iOS — and for 15T owners, the upgrade starts now.
Realme looks ready to push the limits of battery life in the budget segment with its upcoming C85 Pro. Early details from Realme Vietnam hint at a phone built for endurance without the usual bulk — and that alone could make it stand out.
The headline feature is a 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, which Realme says can last up to two days on a single charge. That’s reportedly paired with 45W fast charging. Based on Realme’s previous models, you can expect around 10 to 12 hours of active screen time, depending on how hard you push it.
While the thickness or weight is still under cover, none of the phones with 7,000mAh+ silicon-carbon batteries that have been released so far are exactly thick or heavy. So users can still expect a reasonably good in-hand experience.
The C85 Pro also takes durability seriously. It’s tipped to carry an IP69 rating and MIL-STD-810H certification, making it more resistant to dust, water, and drops than most phones in its price range.
On the front, the phone packs an AMOLED panel with FHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and a whopping 4,000-nit peak brightness — bright enough for direct sunlight. Under the hood, the phone is expected to use the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip with 5G, up to 8GB RAM, and up to 256GB storage.
Pricing should land somewhere between $250 and $300, aimed mainly at markets like Vietnam and India. If these specs hold up, the Realme C85 Pro could be a rare combo: long-lasting, tough, and pocket-friendly. Expect a launch sometime in early 2026.
ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) has teamed up with HoYoverse’s Honkai Impact 3rd to launch the ROG x Honkai Impact 3rd Elysia’s Special Collection for the ROG Phone 9 series. The collection celebrates Elysia’s new ROG-exclusive outfit and combines her graceful design with ROG’s gaming technology under the slogan “Your Game, Lit With Love.”
The Elysia’s Special Collection gift box comes in a Romantic Pink theme with packaging shaped like a letter, symbolizing a personal message from Elysia to fans. The soft pink color scheme blends pixel-style tech elements with ROG Phone 9’s AniMe Vision display. Opening the box feels like receiving a letter from Elysia, bringing her charm into everyday gaming life.
Exclusive Items in the Box:
The collection includes several themed collectibles:
Eternal Elegance Stand – Acrylic display stand featuring Elysia’s design
Affectionate Badge with Cover – Collectible emblem for fans
Dreamy Pink Letter Character Card and Envelope – Designed keepsake card
Adorable Stickers – Chibi-style Elysia stickers
Solid Love Armor Case – Protective phone case inspired by Elysia’s outfit
Dreamlink Wand Ejector Pin – SIM ejector based on Elysia’s weapon
Each box has a unique serial number that unlocks two Enchanted Phones and 2,000 Asterite in Honkai Impact 3rd through the campaign site.
ROG is also releasing an exclusive Elysia Theme Pack for the ROG Phone 9 series. It includes a themed wallpaper, charging animation, incoming call screen, always-on display, and AniMe Vision animation, available free on the ROG Phone Theme Store.
Pricing & availability
The ROG x Honkai Impact 3rd Elysia’s Special Collection launched worldwide on October 23, 2025. Only 5,000 units will be available globally, priced at US$119. Some regions will also distribute the box through promotional campaigns.
MecTuring has introduced a new robotic mop called the MecTuring Mop X2 that promises easier cleaning with powerful and intelligent functionality. It is designed to handle everyday mess and stronger stains while keeping pricing within reach. Continue reading ahead to learn all the key features of the Mop X2.
MecTuring Mop X2 key features
MecTuring Mop X2
The Mop X2 focuses on cleaning challenges commonly found in Indian households, especially hard-to-remove marks on tiled or marble floors. It features two rotating mop pads that apply a strong scrubbing force to remove stubborn spots that regular wiping often leaves behind.
Along with this, 15,000 Pa suction clears dust and small debris in one go, reducing the need for separate sweeping. Navigation is handled by NavPro4 LiDAR, which helps the robot accurately map multiple floors, adapt to furniture placement and avoid falls or collisions.
Carpet detection prevents wet mopping on fabric surfaces. With a 5200mAh battery, the device can operate for up to 300 minutes, covering approximately 4,000 sq ft before returning to the dock.
MecTuring Mop X2 price, availability
The MecTuring Mop X2 is priced at Rs 34,999 (~$400) as an introductory offer for the Indian market. It is now open for pre-orders exclusively through the company’s official website, with deliveries set to begin on Nov. 15.
Buyers will get a standard 1+1-year warranty, along with a 10-year waterproof suction motor warranty, which adds value for long-term usage and reliability.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
LG has added another OLED model to its growing UltraGear OLED lineup with the UltraGear 27GX704A, following the earlier 27GX700A. The main difference between these two models is the OLED technology used. The UltraGear 27GX700A uses Tandem OLED technology (4th gen WOLED), while the UltraGear 27GX704A relies on older 2nd Gen WOLED technology.
Second-gen WOLED monitors use white OLED emitters with color filters to produce RGB colors, offering good efficiency and lower burn-in risk but slightly reduced brightness and color purity. RGB Tandem OLED monitors use separate red, green, and blue emitters stacked together, delivering higher brightness, better color accuracy, and longer lifespan by spreading the electrical load across multiple layers.
The UltraGear 27GX704A uses a 26.5-inch glossy WOLED panel with a QHD resolution of 2560×1440 and a 16:9 aspect ratio. It offers 178-degree viewing angles to keep image quality consistent from all sides. The monitor supports a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms grey-to-grey response time, allowing smooth visuals during fast-moving gameplay.
The display covers 98.5 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut, supports 10-bit color depth, and has a 1,500,000:1 static contrast ratio. It delivers 275 nits of typical brightness and reaches up to 1300 nits in HDR mode. It is certified for VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black and HDR10, providing strong contrast and bright highlights.
For adaptive sync, it supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility, and VESA AdaptiveSync. Gaming features include Black Stabilizer, Dynamic Action Sync, crosshair overlays, FPS counter, factory calibration, flicker-free technology, and reader mode.
In terms of connectivity, the 27GX704A comes with two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, a USB-B upstream port, two USB-A downstream ports, and a 3.5mm four-pole headset jack.
The design features a four-sided borderless frame with a glossy finish and Hexagon RGB lighting on the back. The stand supports 130mm height adjustment, as well as swivel, tilt, and pivot functions. The monitor measures 605.2 × 351 × 45.3 mm without the stand and weighs 4.8 kg.
Xiaomi is said to be working on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra for the Chinese market. Speculations are rife that the device may launch before the end of this year. Reliable tipster Digital Chat Station has been leaking key details about the 17 Ultra, and in a new leak, he shared new details about its camera capabilities and rear design.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s key details tipped
DCS’ new leak reveals that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will arrive with a major upgrade in its camera system, starting with a new 50-megapixel primary camera with a significantly larger sensor, improved in-sensor zoom technology, and a seamless transition to its telephoto lens for lossless focal range coverage.
The telephoto unit itself will reportedly use a new 200-megapixel large-sensor periscope camera, supporting multiple focal lengths without loss in image quality. It is also expected to offer telephoto macro shooting with good magnification, although the focus range may not be extremely close.
Both these new lenses are claimed to provide a high dynamic range, suggesting a major step up in overall photography performance on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Readers can visit this post to know its rumored camera sensors.
Based on this speculation about the Xiaomi 17 Ultra featuring a large round camera module that occupies a significant portion of the back panel, the device may not include a secondary display like the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max.
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will have the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which also powers the other Xiaomi 17 series phones. On the front, it is expected to feature a 6.8-inch flat OLED screen offering a 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is expected to arrive in three shades, such as black, white, and purple.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
After launching the Vivo X300 series earlier this month, Vivo seems to be shifting its focus to the upcoming Vivo S50 series. As per reports, the new S-series is expected to launch in China next month (November). Ahead of the expected launch, reliable tipster Digital Chat Station has leaked the key details about the Vivo S50 and S50 Pro Mini.
Vivo S50 series screen size details leaked
According to DCS, the Vivo S50 series will have two models with different-sized displays. The leak reveals that the standard model will have a 6.59-inch flat display offering a 1.5K resolution, paired with a metal middle frame and a periscope telephoto camera. The telephoto unit reportedly features a medium-sized sensor of flagship-grade quality, indicating a notable upgrade in zoom photography.
On the other hand, the Vivo S50 Pro Mini will be a compact offering equipped with a 6.31-inch flat display with support for 1.5K resolution. Being a Pro model, it will have top-tier camera hardware. It appears both phones will be equipped with a 50-megapixel front-facing camera.
When asked about what chipset powers the Vivo S50 series, the tipster seemingly suggested a flagship chip capable of achieving a 3M AnTuTu score for the Pro variant. As per a previous leak, this device could be equipped with the Dimensity 9400, which powered the Vivo X200 series last year.
The said leak also suggested that the Vivo S50 Pro Mini could be equipped with a triple-camera setup featuring a periscope camera. For security, it could be equipped with an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor.
The Vivo S50 series is expected to face competition from the Oppo Reno 15 lineup and the Honor 500 series, which are also expected to launch in November in China.
Vivo X300 could be in works
Vivo X200 FE
Vivo is also said to be working on the Vivo X300 FE for the global market. To recall, the China-exclusive Vivo S30 Pro Mini was rebranded as the Vivo X200 FE globally. Therefore, the X300 FE could be a rebadged version of the S50 Pro Mini.
And what happened to the Vivo S40 series? The company has reportedly skipped it because the number 4 is considered unlucky in China, prompting Vivo to move straight to the S50 series.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Huawei launched the MatePad Pro 12.2 (2025) back in July in China. Months after its release, the Gold Collector Edition is going on sale in the mainland starting today. The device comes in a single configuration of 16GB RAM and 1TB storage.
Alongside the Pro model, Huawei is also launching the MatePad Mini Collector’s Edition in China today.
Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2 (2025)
The limited edition model is priced at 7,799 yuan (around $1,095). It’s available exclusively in a PaperMatte display variant with Wi-Fi support.
The tablet packs a 12.2-inch dual-layer OLED screen with a resolution of 2800 x 1840 pixels, a 144Hz refresh rate, P3 wide color gamut, 1.07 billion colors, and HDR Vivid certification.
It houses a 50MP main camera paired with an 8MP ultra-wide-angle shooter. On the front, there’s an 8MP camera for video calls and conferences.
Interestingly, this is Huawei’s first tablet to support Wi-Fi 7. It packs a 10,100mAh battery that can charge up to 85% in just 40 minutes. The tablet also supports a one-step unlocking feature for more convenient and secure access.
As expected, the tablet supports stylus, mouse, and keyboard accessories.
Huawei MatePad Mini
The MatePad Mini Collector’s Edition comes in two configurations — 16GB/512GB and 16GB/1TB — priced at 5,999 yuan (~$845) and 6,499 yuan (~$915) respectively.
Both models are available in Universal Red with a PaperMatte display and offer network and Wi-Fi connectivity options.
The MatePad Mini features a flexible OLED full-screen display with an ultra-narrow 2.99mm bezel and a 16:10 aspect ratio.
The screen peaks at 1,800 nits, and the PaperMatte Edition cuts off 99% of ambient light interference for more comfortable reading sessions.
For video calls, the tablet includes a 32MP front-facing camera with RAW-quality portrait and beautification tools. Under the hood, there’s a 6,400mAh battery with 66W SuperCharge support.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
If you’re making TikToks in 2025, your phone isn’t just a phone. It’s your camera rig, editing suite, sound booth, and live broadcast studio all in one. Raw specs alone are no longer enough. You need cameras that don’t blow out highlights or lose detail in low light, software that understands creative workflows, and connectivity that stays reliable during uploads. And ideally, it all fits in your pocket.
Here’s a breakdown of the best smartphones for TikTok creators in 2025 based on what actually matters for shooting, editing, and posting content on the go.
iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max
Apple’s new iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are built for serious content creators. Both models feature a triple 48MP camera system, including a next-generation telephoto lens with 8x optical zoom at 200mm. This setup works well for creative portrait videos and stylized b-roll. The 18MP front camera now uses a square sensor, which helps capture wide, cinematic-looking vlogs and selfies.
The A19 Pro chip, combined with Apple’s 16-core Neural Engine, processes 4K 120fps Dolby Vision video without breaking a sweat. High-resolution footage can be edited directly in apps like iMovie or CapCut without slowing the system down.
For vloggers, Dual Capture allows simultaneous front and rear camera recording. This is useful for reaction videos, travel updates, and storytelling content. With vapor chamber cooling and up to 2TB of storage, the iPhone 17 Pro models deliver studio-level performance in a phone.
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Google Pixel 10 Pro / Pro XL
The new Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL are ideal for creators who want software to handle much of the workload. The Tensor G5 chip may not be the fastest in benchmark tests, but it focuses heavily on camera performance. Features like Magic Cue, Auto Best Take, and Camera Coach help creators optimize scenes in real time.
The 48MP Pro Res Zoom camera supports up to 100x digital zoom with strong stabilization and clear detail. The front camera now shoots at 4K 60fps. Features like cinematic blur and HDR10+ add a polished look to everyday clips.
Google has also introduced Pixelsnap, a magnetic accessory system that supports 25W Qi2 wireless charging and works with grips, gimbals, and other tools. It is a creator-friendly ecosystem with support for fast shooting and seamless setup.
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra is designed for creators who treat mobile video like professional work. The 200MP main sensor produces ultra-detailed footage, and the new 50MP ultra-wide camera captures cleaner visuals in low-light indoor settings.
The camera app includes tools like ProScaler for advanced image processing and Galaxy Log for direct in-camera color grading. These features make it easier to maintain a consistent visual style. Optical zoom at 5x and 10x levels adds framing flexibility for stylized shots.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip powers on-device AI, while a larger vapor chamber improves thermal stability. With a 5000mAh battery, the Galaxy S25 Ultra supports long recording sessions without overheating or draining too quickly.
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Xiaomi 15 Ultra
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra caters to creators who demand full manual control and high-end video output. It uses a Leica-branded quad-camera system with a 1-inch primary sensor and a 200MP HP9 telephoto lens. The phone supports 4K 120fps recording, 10-bit Log, and ACES-certified video standards.
Xiaomi includes a dedicated Photography Kit Edition. This grip accessory features a shutter button, thumb rest, filter ring, and a built-in 2,000mAh battery. This toolset helps creators stay productive on longer shoots.
The phone runs on HyperOS, which efficiently handles large video files and complex editing tasks. It is best suited for creators who treat mobile filmmaking like a professional setup.
Vivo’s X200 Ultra emphasizes imaging above all else. The phone features two 50MP Sony LYT-818 sensors and a 200MP Zeiss APO super-telephoto lens with 200mm optical zoom. Two custom imaging chips, VS1 and V3+, handle image processing before and after capture. This setup ensures responsive performance, even with complex video modes.
It supports 4K 120fps, time-lapse video, and a professional-grade teleconverter kit. Vivo also offers a separate photographer’s kit that includes a zoom lever, shutter grip, and a 2300mAh battery. This phone is highly adaptable for professional-style content creation.
iPhone 17
Apple’s base iPhone 17 brings several pro-level features to the standard model. The 6.3-inch display now includes ProMotion and Always-On Display, while the A19 chip delivers top-tier processing. The camera system includes a 48MP main and 48MP ultra-wide lens, along with the new 18MP Center Stage front camera.
This front camera uses AI to track faces, rotate orientation, and improve framing for group selfies and vlogs. It also supports 4K HDR video and Dual Capture. For lifestyle creators and everyday vloggers, the iPhone 17 is a strong choice. It is lightweight, fast, and easy to use.
OnePlus is set to launch the OnePlus 15 and Ace 6 later today in China. But just hours before the official launch, alleged price details for both devices have appeared on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.
According to the leak, the OnePlus 15 could start at 4,299 yuan (~ $605) for the 16GB RAM and 256GB storage model. The 16GB/512GB variant is said to be priced at 4,899 yuan (~ $690), while the top-end 16GB/1TB version could reach 5,399 (~ $760) yuan.
Meanwhile, the OnePlus Ace 6 is rumored to start at 3,099 yuan (~ $435) for the 12GB RAM and 512GB storage configuration. The higher-end 16GB/512GB variant could cost around 3,399 yuan (~ $480).
Both phones are also expected to come in a 12GB RAM and 256GB storage version, which would lower the starting price below what the leaked figures suggest.
It’s worth noting that these leaks come from an unverified source, so the prices should be taken with caution. OnePlus has not confirmed any of these numbers ahead of the launch.
OnePlus 15 / Ace 6 Specifications
Some key specifications of the OnePlus 15 have already been confirmed. The device features a 6.78-inch OLED display with a 2772 x 1272-pixel resolution and a 165Hz adaptive refresh rate.
It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and packs a 7,300mAh dual-cell battery. The camera setup includes a triple 50-megapixel camera setup on the back, including a periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, alongside a 32-megapixel front camera.
OnePlus 15
The Ace 6, meanwhile, sports a slightly smaller 6.83-inch 1.5K display and is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite with a massive 7,800mAh battery supporting 120W fast charging.
The phone is confirmed to feature an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor, a metal frame, and IP68/69/69K ratings. Its camera setup includes a 16-megapixel front shooter and a dual 50MP + 8MP rear system. The Ace 6 will reportedly come in Black, Quick Silver, and Flash White color options.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, just dropped a major piece of the future of 3D content creation. It’s called Seed3D 1.0, and it’s not your average model generator. This tool can turn a single 2D image into a complete, simulation-grade 3D model, complete with detailed geometry, photorealistic textures, and physically based rendering (PBR) materials.
It’s an end-to-end pipeline built on the increasingly popular Diffusion Transformer architecture, trained on massive datasets and clearly aiming for dominance in the generative 3D space.
Seed3D 1.0 focuses on realism, structure, and scalability
While tools like Gaussian Splatting and open-source projects such as Hunyuan3D have pushed boundaries, ByteDance claims Seed3D 1.0 outperforms both open-source and closed-source rivals in texture quality and geometric fidelity. It achieves this with just 1.5 billion parameters, beating even larger models like Hunyuan3D 2.1, which uses 3 billion parameters.
The core innovation lies in its combination of a multimodal Diffusion Transformer and a stepwise generation strategy. It begins by analyzing an image with a vision-language model to extract object-level and spatial cues. It then generates individual 3D models and assembles them into a full scene. This allows it to scale from a single chair to a fully detailed office or even a large-scale cityscape.
Seed3D 1.0 also excels at maintaining texture consistency across multiple viewpoints. Instead of relying on generic textures, it generates view-aligned materials that remain coherent from every angle, ensuring both realism and structural accuracy for simulation-grade use. The output isn’t just for research purposes; models created with Seed3D can be directly integrated into simulation platforms like Isaac Sim for embodied AI training.
As the boundary between real and synthetic content continues to blur, Seed3D 1.0 marks a significant leap forward for ByteDance, and potentially for 3D content creators, robotics developers, and spatial computing platforms around the world.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Google is currently working on its next major software update for Pixel devices—also known as Pixel Feature Drop—for a November 4, 2025 release. This update will deliver several key upgrades. However, among all of them stands out a substantial boost to customization through the introduction of Theme Packs for Google Pixel phones.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about this feature. It’s been highly anticipated among Pixel fans, as it has the potential to finally break the customization limitations on these devices compared to third-party Android implementations (such as One UI and Chinese custom skins).
Google Pixel Theme Packs to arrive with the November 2025 Feature Drop
According to Mystic Leaks, the long-rumored Theme Packs feature is finally ready for public release. These packs will represent more than minor color tweaks. They will offer comprehensive, system-wide aesthetic changes. The initial launch will involve a high-profile collaboration, with the first official theme drawing inspiration from the film “Wicked: For Good,” conveniently coinciding with the movie’s first screenings. This joint launch suggests Google plans to launch collaborative Themes constantly in the future.
Pixel Studio Animations and VIP notifications as well
That said, the upcoming Drop also includes a couple of major new features. First, for the creators, The Pixel Studio app is gaining new animation functionality that uses generative AI. Users will be able to transform their existing photos and GIFs into short, dynamic video clips. There are no details yet on which AI model will be behind this feature. However, it is likely powered by the latest Veo 3.1. This new tool will offer a simple way for users to add dynamic motion to their static media.
Lastly, the other star feature of the update will help users manage communication overload. The Pixel VIP feature will let you prioritize notifications from contacts designated as “VIPs.” Its scope will initially be limited to conversations within WhatsApp and Google Messages. However, it leaves the door open for potential integration with more messaging services and apps in the future.
If you’ve got an iPhone or a phone with a MagSafe-compatible case, then you should definitely consider picking up this MagSafe phone grip accessory, because this Amazon deal knocks the price down to just $8.98. That’s a respectable price for an accessory like this one, which has multiple uses. Normally, this thing is also $11.99 at full price, so why not save a few extra bucks, right?
As for what this does, it’s a MagSafe phone grip. It has a ring shape on it that allows you to slip your finger through and hold the phone more securely. This is great for holding the device one-handed, especially if you’re typing. This also serves as a kickstand, and its design allows it to be used as a kickstand while the phone is in landscape or horizontal orientations.
This is a neat little trick because once you’re done holding it, you can set it down on your desk or table or any other flat surface, and prop the kickstand part out to stand the phone up. It doesn’t charge your device, so if you need to charge the phone and want to charge it via the MagSafe, then you’ll have to take this off while you do that. You also won’t have to be worried about safety with this magnet accessory attached, because it has a super-strong magnet inside. It’s strong enough to hold up to 5.5 lbs., which is around 2,500g, and that’s more than enough to keep your phone attached.
Charging up your devices can be a pain in the neck if you don’t have enough outlets to plug everything in, but luckily, this deal on the flat 6-in-1 charging station from Anker can save you from those terrible moments. As the name suggests, the Anker Nano 6-in-1 flat charging station will let you charge or power up to six devices at a time. Normally, this charging station accessory would end up costing you $49.99. However, Amazon has it on sale for $37.99 today.
Aside from having the capability to power six devices, here’s what makes this charging station so good. First, it has a flat plug. With the flat plug, you can easily plug the charging station into an outlet, even if it’s behind furniture. Ideally, you wouldn’t need this sort of solution. However, sometimes the only available outlets are stuck behind couches, desks, or other furniture that needs to be up against the wall. The flat plug allows you to bypass this hurdle. The charging station itself is also quite flat, with two additional AC outlets and four USB ports. Two of those USB ports are USB-C.
And if it wasn’t already obvious from the picture, the cable is also thin and flat, which not only helps it fit behind stuff but also does a good job at preventing it from tangling up. The main reasons for grabbing an accessory like this are to charge multiple devices at once and help get rid of cable clutter from multiple chargers. This also comes in three colors.
We’ve seen how AI can generate text. Later, we also saw how AI can generate images and videos. So, AI that generates music? Why not? And that’s something that OpenAI is reportedly working on, which is generative AI music.
OpenAI working on generative AI music
According to a report from The Information, it has learned that OpenAI is developing a new AI tool that would allow users to create generative music. This means that similar to generative text, images, and videos, users can just type in a prompt using natural language, and the AI will create a song for them on the fly.
The report goes on to state that OpenAI is apparently working with students from the prestigious Juilliard School to annotate scores. This will help the AI model train itself on music. That being said, if this report is accurate, OpenAI won’t be the first to launch such a tool. Platforms like Sumo and SOUNDRAW already offer similar capabilities.
However, we suppose the potential upside is that OpenAI might bake this feature into ChatGPT. This will give ChatGPT even more tools, making it a more well-rounded AI model compared to those designed for niche purposes.
Is the world ready for more AI slop?
That being said, we have to wonder what the world and the industry think about this. At the moment, most people seem to be against AI-generated content. This is especially true when it comes to text, images, and videos, which have been labelled as “AI slop.” However, there could be some potential use here.
Content creators right now have a few options when it comes to using music in their videos. They can either pick from a library of songs that are copyright-approved, find their own royalty-free music, or pay a third-party platform to license music. Otherwise, they risk having their videos pulled, muted, and accounts suspended. Giving these creators the ability to generate something on the fly could be one way around that.
Plus, we’re sure that there are many musicians, record labels, and music publishers who might be concerned that their content is being used to train these AI models without their consent or compensation. We’ve already seen artists, writers, and publishers sue AI companies, so it’s not entirely out of the question.
Google’s Pixel Watch 3 is still one of the best smartwatches out there that you can buy. Even at its regular price, it’s an enticing purchase because it has plenty of awesome features, and it’s Google’s first watch to come in a 45mm size. Still, it becomes an even better value when you can save money on it, and that time is now, as Amazon has it on sale for $100 off.
Normally, the Pixel Watch 3 in the 45mm size would cost you $299. However, Amazon has it on sale for $199. This is the all-time low price for the watch, and quite honestly, well worth it if you don’t feel like spending close to $200 more for the latest model.
The Pixel Watch 3 features everything from advanced sleep tracking to automatic activity tracking of several different types of exercises. Naturally, it works as a great device to keep you informed on smartphone notifications without having to pull your phone out of your pocket or purse or wherever else you may have it stowed away. Plus, now that it has Gemini available, the watch has become even more useful. You can also use the Pixel Watch 3 for Google Pay payments at checkout stands and for Google Maps directions. You can even set navigation up to display the navigation on the watch display, which makes driving navigation way easier, as you can just lift your wrist for a quick peek.
The Google Pixel 10 series has been in the stores for weeks. With their cutting-edge features and refined design, they are devices worth protecting and accessorizing. Since its launch, the market has been flooded with a vast array of cases and accessories. To help you navigate the options, we’ve curated a list of the best cases in various categories, ensuring your Google Pixel 10 is not only safeguarded but also enhanced to fit your lifestyle. All our selections are readily available on Amazon, making it easy to get your hands on these top-tier products.
Best Grip Google Pixel 10 Case
For those who prioritize a secure hold on their device, the dbrand Grip Case for the Google Pixel 10 is in a league of its own.
dbrand Grip Case
Starts at $59.90
Engineered with microscopic ridges along the sides, dbrand’s Grip Case offers an unparalleled grip that significantly reduces the likelihood of accidental drops. The tactile texture provides a confident and comfortable feel in your hand, making it ideal for one-handed use and for those on the go.
Beyond its impressive grip, the dbrand Grip Case doesn’t skimp on protection. It boasts military-grade impact resistance to safeguard your Pixel 10 from everyday tumbles. The case is also fully compatible with dbrand’s extensive collection of skins. This allows you to customize the look of your phone without compromising on the secure grip that makes this case a standout choice. The design you see in the image above is just one of dozens of options to choose from.
Colors: Dozens to choose from, literally
Wireless Charging Support: Yes
Build Materials: Textured silicon
Recycled materials: N/A
Dimensions: N/A
Weight: N/A
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Best Rugged Google Pixel 10 Case
When maximum protection is your top priority, the Spigen Tough Armor for the Google Pixel 10 is the case to beat.
Spigen Tough Armor
$21.99
This case is built to withstand serious impacts. It features a dual-layer design that combines a flexible TPU interior with a hard polycarbonate exterior. It also incorporates Spigen’s Air Cushion Technology in the corners for enhanced shock absorption during drops.
Despite its robust construction, the Spigen Tough Armor maintains a relatively slim profile and includes a built-in kickstand for hands-free viewing. The precise cutouts ensure easy access to all ports and buttons, and the raised edges provide excellent protection for the screen and camera. If you lead an active lifestyle or simply want peace of mind knowing your Pixel 10 is safe from harsh conditions, the Tough Armor is a reliable choice.
Colors: Black, Abyss Green, Metal Slate, Navy Blue
For an all-around excellent case that perfectly complements the Google Pixel 10, look no further than Google’s own Pixelsnap Case.
Google Pixelsnap Case
$49.99
This case offers a great fit and is designed to work seamlessly with the phone’s new PixelSnap technology. This ensures a secure connection with compatible magnetic accessories. The case provides reliable protection against everyday drops and scratches without adding unnecessary bulk. While it’s not an ultra-slim case, it maintains the slim profile of your device.
The Pixelsnap Case is crafted from a soft-touch silicone that feels great in hand and enhances grip. The finish reduces the chances of accidental slips. It also features a soft microfiber lining to keep your Pixel 10 free from scuffs. There’s also a variety of colors to match your personal style and the phone’s own colorways.
Build Materials: Silicone, polycarbonate, magnets, and a microfiber lining
Recycled materials: 42% recycled materials, shell made with 75% recycled plastic
Dimensions: 157.48 x 76.2 x 12.7 mm
Weight: 33.97 grams
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Best Ultra-Thin Google Pixel 10 Case
Maybe you’re looking to protect your Google Pixel 10 from scratches and minor bumps without sacrificing its sleek design. Well, the Mous Super Thin Case is an exceptional option.
Mous Super Thin Case
$49.99
This case is impressively slim and lightweight, adding minimal bulk to your phone, so it still feels comfortable in your pocket. It’s constructed from a durable yet flexible material that provides a surprising amount of protection for such a slender profile.
The Mous Super Thin Case features a minimalist design that lets the aesthetics of your Pixel 10 shine through. It’s also compatible with Pixelsnap accessories. So, you can take advantage of the magnetic ecosystem without needing a thicker case. For those who prioritize a minimalist feel and want to keep their device as close to its original form as possible, this case is the top contender.
Colors: Almost 20 colors
Wireless Charging Support: Yes
Build Materials: Polycarbonate
Recycled materials: N/A
Dimensions: 155.23 × 74.38 × 12.97 mm
Weight: 27 grams
Byu at
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Best Leather Google Pixel 10 Case
If you’re looking to elevate the look and feel of your Google Pixel 10, the premium Bellroy Leather Case is another great option.
Bellroy Leather Case
$55
This case is a product of a partnership between Bellroy and Google. The partnership ensures a perfect fit and seamless integration with the phone’s features. The case is crafted from high-quality, eco-tanned leather that develops a unique patina over time.
The Bellroy Leather Case offers a slim profile while still providing ample protection for your device. The interior is lined with a soft microfiber to prevent scratches, and the edges are slightly raised to protect the screen and camera. For those who appreciate the touch of elegance of genuine leather, the Bellroy case is calling you.
Colors: Black, Sienna
Wireless Charging Support: Yes
Build Materials: Leather, plastic polymer and polyester
Recycled materials: 12% Recycled Polyester
Dimensions: 157 x 76.2 x 14 mm
Weight: 27 grams
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Best Wallet Google Pixel 10 Case
For those who value both style and convenience, the TORRO Premium Leather Wallet Case for the Google Pixel 10 is an excellent all-in-one solution.
TORRO Premium Leather Wallet Case
$34.99
Crafted from genuine top-grain leather, this folio-style case exudes a classic and sophisticated look. The supple leather not only feels great in the hand but also offers durable protection against daily wear and tear.
Inside, the TORRO case features a soft microfiber lining and multiple card slots. This allows you to carry your essential cards and some cash alongside your phone. The case also has a built-in stand function, perfect for watching videos or making video calls. This TORRO case integrates a nice combination of premium materials, practical features, and robust protection.
Colors: Black
Wireless Charging Support: Yes
Build Materials: Leather, plastic polymer and polyester
Recycled materials: 12% Recycled Polyester
Dimensions: 159 x 75.94 x 18.03 mm
Weight: 95 grams
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Best Google Pixel 10 Screen Protector
Protecting the vibrant display of your Google Pixel 10 is crucial. Fortunately, the Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Tempered Glass screen protector makes it incredibly easy.
Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Tempered Glass
$34.99
This screen protector is made from durable 9H hardness tempered glass to defend against scratches and cracks. It also features an oleophobic coating to resist fingerprints and smudges.
What sets the GlasTR EZ FIT apart is its innovative auto-alignment installation tray. This ensures a perfect, bubble-free application every time. The screen protector offers edge-to-edge coverage without interfering with most cases and maintains the original touch sensitivity and display clarity of your Pixel 10. If you want reliable and hassle-free screen protection, the Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT is a top choice.
Colors: Clear
Build Materials: Glass
Dimensions: N/A
Weight: N/A
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Best Google Pixel 10 Grip/Stand
The Spigen O-Mag Ring is a versatile accessory that enhances both the grip and functionality of your phone, working perfectly with the native Qi2 magnets of the Google Pixel 10.
Spigen O-Mag Ring
$23.99
This magnetic ring attaches securely to the back of your phone, providing a comfortable and stable loop for your finger. This drastically improves one-handed use, making it much easier and safer to navigate the large cover and main screens.
In addition to being a secure grip, the O-Mag Ring doubles as a durable kickstand. It rotates 360 degrees, allowing you to prop your Google Pixel 10 up in either or portrait landscape mode at various angles, which is perfect for watching videos, taking video calls, and more. Its strong magnetic attachment makes it easy to snap on when you need it and remove for wireless charging.
Colors: Carbon
Build Materials: Metal
Recycled materials: N/A
Weight: 60 grams
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Best Google Pixel 10 Power Bank
Keep your Google Pixel 10 powered up on the go with the Anker Nano Power Bank.
Anker Nano Power Bank (10,000mAh, 30W)
$33.99
This compact and portable charger packs a 10,000mAh capacity, which is enough to provide multiple charges for your Google Pixel 10. It features a built-in USB-C cable that doubles as a carrying loop, so you never have to worry about forgetting your charging cable.
The Anker Nano Power Bank delivers up to 30W of power. So, it perfectly matches the fast-charging power supported by the device. The charger also has an additional USB-C and USB-A port for charging other devices. There’s an informative display that shows you the remaining battery percentage, so you’ll always know when it’s time to recharge the power bank itself. For a reliable charging solution, the Anker Nano Power Bank is an excellent Google Pixel 10 companion.
Colors: Ice Lake Blue, Lilac Purple, Shell White, Sprout Green, Pure Black
For the most seamless and efficient wireless charging experience for your Google Pixel 10, the official Google Pixelsnap Wireless Charger is the way to go.
Google Pixelsnap Wireless Charger
$39.99
This charger is specifically designed to work with the Google Pixel 10’s PixelSnap technology. This ensures perfect alignment and optimal charging speeds every time you place your phone on it. The magnetic connection makes it easy to use, even in the dark.
The Pixelsnap Wireless Charger delivers a fast and reliable charge. Plus, its minimalist design looks great on any desk or nightstand. It’s a simple and elegant solution for keeping your phone topped up without the hassle of cables. If you want the most convenient and optimized wireless charging for your new phone, the official Google charger is a great choice.
Colors: Rock Candy
Wireless Charging Support: Yes
Build Materials: Polycarbonate, metal ring
Recycled materials: At least 15% recycled materials
Dimensions: N/A
Weight: 53.86 grams
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Best Google Pixel 10 Wired Charger/Power Brick
Like many other modern phones, the Google Pixel 10 doesn’t come with a power brick in the box. If you don’t have one at home, the Anker 312 Charger (30W) is an excellent and affordable option for fast charging.
Anker 312 Charger (30W)
$19.99
This compact and powerful charger can charge your Google Pixel 10 at its maximum supported speed via USB-C.
The Anker 312 features a foldable plug, making it incredibly portable and perfect for travel. It also incorporates Anker’s safety features to protect your device from overcharging and overheating. For a reliable, fast, and compact charging solution, the Anker 312 is a must-have accessory for your handset.
For years, Google has been working on optimizing Android for tablets and other large-screen devices. Key feature additions like a taskbar and improved split-screen functionality have helped. However, many users agree that Android tablets still fall short of offering truly seamless, PC-level multitasking. Google is now working to close this gap by reviving and refining a powerful tool that could change how we use tablets: the ability to run any Android app in a floating bubble.
Recent findings by Android Authority suggest Google still has this “bubble anything” concept. The company now aims to better fit existing tablet workflows with an updated interface. Google is positioning it to become a seamless, general-purpose feature for power users.
Android tablets may get massive multitasking upgrade with Floating Apps
The new implementation centers on a simple, intuitive drag-and-drop gesture. Code strings and accompanying animations indicate that tablet users will soon be able to drag an app icon directly from the taskbar and drop it onto one of the screen’s bottom corners. This action will immediately launch the app in a smaller, floating bubble window. Users can then move this bubble freely while simultaneously working in other applications.
This approach aligns perfectly with how other multitasking features, such as split-screen mode, currently work on Android tablets. The goal is probably to minimize the learning curve. To further ensure a smooth user transition, the code also points to a new educational tutorial with animations. This will guide users through the new drag-to-float gesture the first time they interact with the taskbar.
Source: Android Authority
Bubble anything
The current version of Android limits the “bubble” feature almost exclusively to conversation notifications from supported messaging apps. However, the evidence strongly suggests this new gesture will apply to any app placed on the taskbar. Android already allows any app icon to sit in that position. So, extending the floating window capability to all apps is a logical next step.
This broader application unlocks powerful multitasking possibilities. It may allow users to keep three, four, or more apps instantly accessible at the same time. This is a significant functional boost, particularly for smaller tablets that struggle to fit multiple applications comfortably in the standard split-screen mode. Some custom skins from other brands already integrate similar functions. However, a powerful, native solution would be very useful to add uniformity between all Android devices.
We still don’t know when these improvements will arrive in a stable release. However, the presence of a fully designed tutorial and corresponding animations suggests that this “bubble any app” Android feature is making steady progress toward a public release in a future update.
It looks like we’re one step closer to putting this whole TikTok saga behind us. According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, US President Donald Trump and China President Xi Jinping are expected to “consummate” the TikTok deal this Thursday.
Trump to close TikTok deal this Thursday
According to Bessent, “We reached one in Madrid, and I believe that as of today, all the details are ironed out, and that will be for the two leaders to consummate that transaction on Thursday in Korea. My remit was to get the Chinese to agree to approve the transaction, and I believe we successfully accomplished that over the past two days.”
Last month, Trump signed an executive order that would see ByteDance sell its TikTok US operations to American-owned companies. Ever since he came into power, Trump had been pushing for China and ByteDance to sell TikTok. This was based on concerns that ByteDance is a Chinese company. The US government was worried that data of US citizens and users would be sent back to China.
Under the Biden administration, TikTok was due to be banned in the US at the start of the year. However, following Trump’s re-election, he extended the deadline of the ban several times. At one point, it looked like we would never hear the end of this whole TikTok saga. But come Thursday, Trump will officially close the TikTok deal and put it to bed once and for all.
What does the future of TikTok look like?
Once the deal has been closed, TikTok’s US operations will come under control of a new board of directors. Oracle will be responsible for security operations. These board of directors are also expected to oversee TikTok’s recommendation algorithm, source code, and also take over duties when it comes to the moderation of content.
Note that this only applies to TikTok in the US. For the rest of the world, your TikTok experience should remain the same. However, we have to wonder if TikTok US could undergo a huge change. TikTok’s algorithm is kind of what gives the platform an edge over competitors like Instagram Reels.
But if US companies and engineers are taking over the algorithm to make their own tweaks, what could this mean for creators based in the country? Could they see a drop in views? We suppose we’ll have to wait and see.
Google is working to make its on-device security features more transparent and manageable for users. An analysis of a recent beta version of the Play Protect Service app indicates that the company is adding updates to its Live Threat Detection tool, which uses artificial intelligence models to identify potentially malicious applications on Pixel phones and Android devices in general.
The Live Threat Detection feature fully relies on local, on-device AI. This means all the processing happens entirely on the local hardware. This approach allows for quick threat detection without requiring sending sensitive application data to Google’s cloud servers. The result is a strong layer of user privacy throughout the scanning process. Now, Google is making it friendlier and easier to use.
Live Threat Detection upgrade for Android: See every flagged app in one place
Currently, Android’s Live Threat Detection issues real-time alerts when it detects suspicious app behavior. However, the feature offers limited visibility beyond those initial notifications. Google is now fixing this lack of a central hub. The recent findings (by Android Authority) point to the development of a dedicated new page for the security tool. This upcoming screen is expected to clearly list all applications that the system has flagged as potential threats. Moving the threat information from individual, potentially numerous notifications to a permanent, centralized report is a great move. It improves user control and makes the security status of the device significantly easier to check at a glance.
Additionally, Google is adding a new, specific alert type focused on data harvesting. Code strings reveal a future warning designed to explicitly inform users when an application deemed unsafe is detected monitoring the device’s location or activity. This alert directly addresses a major area of concern for user privacy: applications that covertly harvest sensitive data or track user movement patterns without proper consent.
These changes aim to enhance the usefulness of Android’s security tools. The mainstream public often underestimates security improvements because they often act in the background. However, keeping your personal data safe from potential bad actors is key in today’s tech industry.
Samsung is preparing to roll out its next big software update, One UI 8.5, and leaks have already started revealing some of the exciting changes coming to Galaxy devices. One UI 8.5 is expected to make photo editing easier and smarter, especially with a big change to Samsung’s popular Object Eraser feature.
According to the latest information via @Tarunvats, Samsung is planning to combine the Object Eraser tool with the Generative Edit feature in the Gallery app. This means users will be able to remove unwanted people, objects, or shadows from their photos more easily and quickly.
Notably, the Object Eraser, first introduced with the Galaxy S21 series, has been a fan-favorite AI feature that makes photo editing simple for everyone. Now, a new change for Object Eraser has been spotted in a leaked test version of One UI 8.5.
With the new setup, users can use Object Eraser directly from the Generative Edit option instead of switching between tools. This will make photo editing faster and more convenient.
Other leaks also mention new design changes coming with One UI 8.5. Samsung may add a “Create” button at the bottom of the Gallery app with a clean blur effect, along with a refreshed Favorites card design in the Contacts app. It also brings new AI features, a fully customizable quick panel, and more.
For now, these new changes are based on an internal test build, so Samsung has not officially confirmed any details. The final version of One UI 8.5 may include all or some of these features. It is expected to arrive with the Galaxy S26 series next year. Stay tuned.
Four photographers were taken to the hospital but seemingly avoided disaster following a violent crash during the Gold Coast 500 Supercars race in Australia over the weekend.
A week after Fourth of July celebrations, PetaPixel reported that multiple California police departments had used drones to surveil and spot people illegally shooting off fireworks. Promised fines have been rolling out since, including a new $300,000 one levied against an Orange County homeowner who claims they were not even home on July 4.
Photographer Chris Levine, who captured an iconic holographic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, is being sued by artist Rob Munday who claims that he is the co-creator of the works Equanimity and Lightness of Being.
As part of its expanding crackdown on immigration, the United States government says it will soon begin photographing every non-citizen, including all legal ones with green cards and visas, as they enter and leave the U.S. The government claims that improved facial recognition and more photos will prevent immigration violations and catch criminals.
Meta used a softer launch strategy for Ray-Ban Display, requiring a demo to order the smart glasses. Now, interested buyers can use Verizon stores for demos.
DJI is days away from launching the Neo 2 in its home market. In the meantime, hands-on photos highlighting key differences between the original Neo and the Neo 2 before the latter's official release.
OneXPlayer has finally revealed the OneXFly Apex across a series of videos. Ahead of a full global launch event, the company has showcased the strength of its new gaming handheld in triple-A games, which will be backed by a powerful liquid cooling solution.
CheckMag | If you are looking to step away from subscription services, reduce reliance on big tech, or simply have fun while learning, self-hosting is a great way to make your media collections available across all of your devices while keeping data under your control. Here are the best containers for managing almost every type of media.
A Redditor has modded their Zephyrus M16 with an RTX 4090 laptop GPU to outperform an average RTX 5090 laptop. The benchmarks shared by the user show up to a 7.6 percent performance boost over an RTX 5090 laptop.
Deal | Saving the world as a noble hero may sound appealing, but it’s hardly a fresh idea in gaming. Iratus: Lord of the Dead turns the tables by putting players in the role of the villain – unleashing chaos instead of preventing it. Right now, it’s back at its lowest price, with a steep 90% discount.
The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 has been pictured again before its release. This time, the forthcoming vlogging camera has been spotted entering mass production with a taller and thinner housing to accommodate a series of hardware changes from the ageing Osmo Pocket 3.
A Reddit user discovered an unusual way to prop up his graphics card – with an old Nokia cellphone. The photo of this improvised setup quickly went viral, sparking both laughter and a wave of nostalgia. As the community jokingly put it, the table would collapse long before the Nokia shows any sign of breaking.
The Goveelife Smart Plug Outlet Extender With Night Light is now available to pre-order in the US. Set for an official release in the coming days, some customers are currently offered a launch discount on the device. It features six outlets and two USB ports, with an integrated colored light which can act as a mood light or a night light.
The OnePlus Ace 6 launched alongside the OnePlus 15 in China, and international buyers can already import this affordable sub-flagship phone through Giztop. This Redmi K90 competitor is available with a starting price of $459.
Decathlon has released a new electric gravel bike in Europe: the Van Rysel E-GRVL AF Discover e-bike. This model is fitted with a brushless motor from the brand, with up to 100 km (~60 miles) assistance range and a Shimano Cues 1x11 transmission. Other features include battery powered lighting and a handlebar-mounted display.
Nvidia’s flagship RTX 5090 may deliver record-breaking performance, but a new teardown paints a troubling picture of its internal design. A leading repair shop has branded the Founders Edition “a disaster,” claiming its modular structure makes it nearly impossible to repair.
IKEA is rolling out its Blomprakt Bluetooth speaker lamp in markets globally. The product combines an adjustable angle light with a Bluetooth speaker. Features include support for Spotify Tap, separate controls for the light source and the speaker, and a multi-speaker mode.
Anbernic has showcased the dual-screen functionality of its RG DS gaming handheld in a new teaser video. While the Anbernic RG DS can mimic the Nintendo DS or Nintendo 3DS, it can also use its two displays for other uses like watching videos or having a walkthrough guide up when gaming.
The Baseus PicoGo AE21 Digital Display Fast Charger 2C+U 100W has arrived in the US. Following its release in China in September, customers can now purchase the accessory at the brand’s online store or at Amazon, where several offers are available. Features include three USB ports and an integrated display.
OnePlus has introduced the Tablet 2 in its home market. A powerful Android tablet with mid-range pricing, the OnePlus Tablet 2 is available in China for CNY 2,799 (~$394) with a 144 Hz display, a MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset and a 10,165 mAh battery, among other high-end components.
The new 14-inch MacBook Pro M5 looks very similar to its predecessor, but there are a few surprises inside, as a teardown video from iFixit shows. However, replacing the battery remains unnecessarily complicated.
Casio is rumored to be working on two new origami inspired watches: the G-Shock DW-5600RGM-1 and the G-Shock DW-6900RGM-5. A recent report suggests that these products could be released in the near future, joining the brand’s existing range of devices, which celebrate various aspects of Japanese culture.
No doubt, the Legion Pro with the RTX 5070 Ti is the more powerful gaming laptop. But if that’s the case, why does it score “only” 85 percent while the non-Ti version gets 86?
Deal | Anker’s 737 24,000 mAh power bank is currently available at its all-time low price on Amazon for a limited time. The Anker 737 power bank boasts a 24,000 mAh capacity and offers a maximum power output of 140 W across three ports. Plus, the flight-approved power bank has a small display for real-time charging information.
DIY engineer Luis has successfully designed, built, and flown a Star Wars-inspired X-wing drone that hit speeds of 216 km/h (134 mph). He revealed the project underwent 6 iterations to produce a working prototype.
The Aorus FO27Q5P is now available to order in the UK. The 500Hz QD-OLED gaming monitor features UHBR20-capable DisplayPort 2.1 ports and other competitive specs, including 0.03ms response time, G-Sync, and a built-in KVM switch.
The Ace 6 is OnePlus' latest attempt to entice people seeking a powerful yet affordable Android smartphone. Starting at CNY 2,599 (~$366) in China, the OnePlus Ace 6 combines a 165 Hz AMOLED display and a 7,800 mAh battery with the Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset from last year's OnePlus 13 flagship.
OnePlus has launched its first phone that's powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the OnePlus 15. Soon after the Chinese unveiling, the new flagship phone became available for import on Giztop, with a starting price of $699.
Apple is expected to upgrade the base iPhone to 12GB of RAM - 4GB more than the iPhone 17, and the same as the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air.
According to industry sources, Apple has asked key supplier Samsung to increase its supply of LPDDR5X RAM for the next iPhone lineup. Samsung reportedly only makes LPDDR5X RAM in 12GB and 16GB modules.
The bump up to 12GB will allow the base model iPhone to run AI models on-device, which is hard to pull off with 8GB of RAM.
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According to reports, Apple will move to a staggered release...
The OnePlus 15 just became official today in China, and it's expected to reach international markets next month. Ahead of that, we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to shoot some camera samples with the OnePlus 15 around Prague in Czechia. So here they are.
The OnePlus 15 gave up on the Hasselblad co-branding of its predecessors in favor of the company's own self-developed DetailMax Engine, billed as its new era of computational imaging that focuses on delivering "clear and real" images (these are OnePlus' words). So we put that to the test, let's start with images from the main...
Back in September, Xiaomi began recruiting beta testers for the global version of HyperOS 3. The company has now announced that the software’s global rollout has started in phases for select users.
According to the official Xiaomi HyperOS account, the HyperOS 3 global rollout has kicked off with the Xiaomi 15T series. The company revealed that the update will be available to users in a phased manner.
It is likely that Xiaomi 15T and 15T Pro users who signed up for the global beta program will be the first to receive the stable HyperOS 3. In China, the Xiaomi 15 series and Redmi K80...
The OnePlus 15 is a direct successor to the OnePlus 13, which initially launched last year around the same time. The initial launch of the OnePlus 15 took place on October 27, while the global model will likely follow next month. The device does look different than its predecessor, as the company did make some notable design changes. Design is not the only thing that changed, here, though.
The new phone is, of course, more powerful overall, which we’ll talk about. It also comes with some changes that people may not be fans of. In any case, in this article, we’ll talk a lot more about the phone, even before its global debut. Once it arrives to global markets, we’ll fill in the gaps and update the information that is relevant to global users. With that being said, let’s get to it.
OnePlus 15 specs
OnePlus’ flagship smartphones bring top-of-the-line specs year-in, year-out. The same is the case here, as this phone is packed with powerful hardware. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC from Qualcomm, the company’s new flagship chip, fuels this smartphone. That chip is backed by 12GB/16GB of RAM and 256GB/512GB/1TB of internal storage. Just to be clear, OnePlus is using LPDDR5X RAM here and UFS 4.1 flash storage.
A 165Hz 1.5K AMOLED display is used, along with a 7,300mAh battery
A 6.78-inch AMOLED display sits on the front, with a resolution of 2772 x 1272 (1.5K). That translates to 450 PPI, and an aspect ratio of 20:9. This display goes up to 165Hz, though only during gaming. During regular use, it’ll go from 1-120Hz, as it’s adaptive. The peak brightness is immensely high, well over 4,000 nits, though you’ll never get to that point. The point is, the display is immensely bright when you need it to be.
A 7,300mAh silicon-carbon battery is used here. So, yes, even though the OnePlus 13 had a rather huge battery with plenty of capacity, OnePlus decided to improve upon that quite a bit. The phone jumped from 6,000mAh to 7,300mAh. 120W wired charging is supported (it will be limited to 80W in the US), along with 50W wireless charging. Android 16 comes pre-installed here with ColorOS 16 in China, while OxygenOS 16 will be included in the US.
Three 50-megapixel cameras sit on the back, while the phone is quite durable
There are three 50-megapixel cameras on the back. A 50-megapixel main camera (Sony’s IMX906 sensor, 1/1.56-inch sensor size) OIS, f/1.8 aperture, 84-degree FoV) is backed by a 50-megapixel ultrawide unit (OV50D sensor, 1/2.88-inch sensor size, 6P lens, f/2.0 aperture, 116-degree FoV). A 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera (S5KJN5 sensor, 1/2.76-inch sensor size, 3.5x optical zoom, 4P lens, OIS, f/2.8 aperture, 30-degree FoV) also sits on the back. On the front, you’ll find a 32-megapixel Sony IMX709 camera sensor.
The phone has an in-display fingerprint scanner, an ultrasonic one. An IR blaster is included, as is Bluetooth 6.0. Wi-Fi 7 is, of course, on the table too, as is USB 3.2 Gen 1. There are two nano SIM card slots here, and a charger will be included, at least in some regions. The OnePlus 15 is IP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K certified, which means it has great water and dust resistance, to say the least.
OnePlus announced three color options
The device measures 161.42 x 76.67 x 8.10-8.20mm, while it weighs 211/215 grams, depending on the model. Three color options have been launched in China: Absolute Black, Mist Purple, and Sand Dune
The OnePlus 15 was announced only in China thus far. The phone’s pricing kicks off at CNY3,999 ($561) for the 12GB RAM model with 256GB of storage. It goes up to CNY5,399 ($758) for the 16GB RAM variant with 1TB of storage. Several other models are available in between. We’re expecting only a couple of models globally, though.
Where can I buy the OnePlus 15?
For the time being, the OnePlus 15 is only available to purchase in China. It launched in OnePlus’ homeland only, we’ll have to wait a bit before it makes its way to more markets. Once the global model launches, this section will be updated with new information and purchase links.
What carriers does it work on?
Only the Chinese variant was announced thus far, this section will be updated once the global model arrives.
What colors does the OnePlus 15 come in?
In China, the phone was announced in three color variants, Absolute Black, Mist Purple, and Sand Dune. Those are essentially black, purple, and beige colors. All three colors are rumored to arrive to global markets, though they will have different names, all three of them. At this point, we do know that the ‘Sand Dune’ color will be called ‘Sand Storm’ globally. That part has been officially confirmed, the other two colors, not yet.
What new upgrades does the OnePlus 15 have over the OnePlus 13, and what noteworthy features in general?
The OnePlus 15 is a more powerful smartphone than the OnePlus 13, there’s no doubt about it. Not everything on the phone is an upgrade over its predecessor, however. Well, most things are, but not everything. With that being said, in this section, we’ll highlight the upgrades and what seem to be downgrades. On top of that, we’ll simply highlight the best aspects of the phone itself, in general.
Even more processing power
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 from Qualcomm is used to fuel the OnePlus 15. That is Qualcomm’s most powerful chip to date, and a successor to the Snapdragon 8 Elite that is included in the OnePlus 13. There is no monumental difference when compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite, but it’s better in a number of ways. Not only is it generally more powerful, but it brings upgrades in the GPU, NPU, and connectivity departments. A 23% improvement in GPU performance, 37% faster NPU, and more.
Faster storage
The OnePlus 15 ships with UFS 4.1 flash storage, compared to UFS 4.0 storage inside the OnePlus 13. That may not be something you’ll notice during day-to-day use, but UFS 4.1 is a notable improvement. It is not only faster, but it’s more power efficient too. A number of other improvements are included.
A gigantic battery
OnePlus opted to include a 7,300mAh battery inside the OnePlus 15. That is considerably more battery juice than what the OnePlus 13 delivered. That phone includes a 6,000mAh unit, which is also a silicon-carbon battery. That battery was plenty for that phone, and yet OnePlus decided to take things to a whole other level with the OnePlus 15. We do expect the OnePlus 15 to offer outstanding battery life.
Faster charging (slightly)
The OnePlus 15 supports 120W wired charging, compared to 100W charging on the OnePlus 13. Wireless charging remains the same. The thing is, this phone does include a larger battery, so the charging speed difference likely won’t be noticeable… when it comes to wired charging. Do note that the US will still get 80W wired charging, though.
Better display, even though it may not seem like it
The OnePlus 13 did ship with a sharper display than the OnePlus 15. The thing is, the difference will not be visible, and yet the OnePlus 15’s display is newer, more expensive, and technologically more advanced. It also supports a refresh rate of up to 165Hz for gaming, which is not something the OnePlus 13’s panel offered.
Bluetooth 6.0
The OnePlus 15 ships with Bluetooth 6.0 support, as expected. The OnePlus 13 included Bluetooth 5.4. Bluetooth 6.0 brings a number of improvements, including centimeter-level accuracy through channel sounding. It also brings improved audio latency and quality, and more efficient battery usage with decision-based advertising filtering. A number of other improvements are included.
OxygenOS 16
The OnePlus 15 ships with OxygenOS 16 out of the box. That is the latest version of OnePlus’ Android skin: It is based on Android 16, and it brings a refreshed UI, it’s immensely fast, has new animations, and so on. The thing is, the OnePlus 13 will get this UI as well, so chances are it won’t be much of a difference between the two. The point is, it is here, and it does make a difference.
The camera conundrum
On paper, the OnePlus 15 brings a camera downgrade to the table. It includes three 50-megapixel cameras on the back, with smaller camera sensors than the OnePlus 13. That goes for all three cameras, actually. That camera setup does not look great, in all honesty, but we’ll have to test it out to find out the truth.
What cases are available for the OnePlus 15?
OnePlus has confirmed the Sandstone Magnetic Case, Aramid Fiber Case, and Magnetic Hole Case for the Chinese market. We’re not sure if all of these will make their way to the global markets, but you can check them out below. The first two are kind of self-explanatory. The Sandstone case is a throwback to the original OnePlus smartphone, while the Aramid Fiber case is immensely thin and light. The Magnetic Hole Case brings a level of customization to the table. You can check them all below.
Images & Video
Should I buy the OnePlus 15?
Considering that only the Chinese OnePlus 15 variant has been launched at this point, it’s too early to tell whether the OnePlus 15 will be worth it. The price tag does seem quite appealing, but the smaller camera sensor do worry us. We can’t wait to review the OnePlus 15, however, so wait just a little bit longer while the global model arrives, and we’ll be able to share far more information about the device.
The lawsuit Apple filed against leakster and YouTuber Jon Prosser seemed straightforward enough. However, it looks like things are becoming more complicated. Now, according to Apple, it says that Prosser has not indicated when he may respond to the lawsuit.
Prosser has not indicated when he will respond to Apple lawsuit
In recent court filings, Apple stated that Prosser “has not indicated” when, or even if, he plans to formally defend himself against the trade secrets allegations tied to leaked iOS 26 information. The lawsuit, filed in July 2025, targets both Prosser and co-defendant Michael Ramacciotti over the alleged theft of confidential details about Apple’s upcoming software update.
Apple’s filings emphasize that despite Prosser’s public statements, he missed his legal deadline to respond. As a result, the court entered a default against him, which allows Apple to proceed toward seeking damages and an injunction without Prosser’s formal participation in the case. Meanwhile, Ramacciotti has actively cooperated with Apple and may settle soon, taking a completely different approach than his co-defendant.
Going back and forth
This is where things get confusing. Initially, Prosser’s statements suggested he was in active talks with Apple about the lawsuit. However, when court documents revealed he hadn’t responded to the legal filing, Prosser doubled down, claiming he had been in active communications with the company. Now, Apple’s latest statement directly contradicts that claim, leaving us scratching our heads about what’s actually happening behind the scenes.
The back and forth raises questions about whether Prosser is truly engaging with Apple’s legal team or simply making public statements that don’t align with the formal legal process. Either way, his silence in court puts him at a significant disadvantage. If Apple’s injunction succeeds, it could set a precedent that limits how tech influencers handle leaked information, potentially restricting early looks at new features for enthusiasts who rely on these sources.
For context, the lawsuit stems from Prosser publishing videos that revealed confidential iOS 26 features. Prosser has publicly denied coordinating any scheme to steal company secrets. He claims he had no technical access to Apple’s systems and didn’t plot to obtain anyone’s device.
All wireless chargers are made the same, right? Well, according to Google, that is not the case.
Some users have noted that when trying to charge their Pixel 10 Pro Fold, they get a question mark instead of it actually charging. Google has noticed and issued a statement saying that this issue arises when you use an “incompatible wireless charger”. Google suggests that users use “certified Qi2 wireless chargers” instead. Which should be a no-brainer. But since Qi2 is backward compatible with Qi, it’s a bit surprising that there is an issue.
Google is going to fix this issue, however. So don’t throw out those old Qi chargers just yet. Google will be releasing a fix in the next software update. But for now, rebooting your phone should fix the issue.
Google’s Pixel 10 series is really struggling this year
Google’s off to a pretty rocky start with the Pixel 10 series this year. Nevermind the mid-range chip that is powering the devices, there’s been quite a few issues too. Like with Genshin Impact, a pretty popular game, that doesn’t run properly on the Pixel 10 because Google switched to a PowerVR GPU, and Genshin Impact stopped supporting those GPUs a few months ago.
Now we’re seeing other issues too, but the Genshin Impact issue really can’t be fixed without the company supporting PowerVR again or Google ditching it on Tensor G6.
In the grand scheme of things, this issue with charging is really not a big deal. Especially since this is wireless charging and not USB-C charging, that is the issue. While it is inconvenient, picking up a Qi2 charger for cheap or using a USB-C charger is definitely an easy fix. Check out our best Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold cases and accessories for some good options.
Sony’s first 200MP camera is coming, and it’s looking to challenge Samsung’s ISOCELL counterparts. We are talking about a sensor for mobile devices, mainly smartphones, here, of course.
Sony’s first 200MP mobile camera sensor is coming for Samsung’s crown
According to what FeniBook, a tipster, said, Sony is planning to announce the LYT-910, which will be the company’s first 200MP camera sensor. It will be a 1/1.11-inch sensor with an individual pixel size of 0.7um.
That sensor will be able to capture 50MP and 200MP resolution images. The 50-megapixel ones will be captured through pixel binning, of course. With an in-sensor crop, this sensor could offer 2x and 4x lossless-quality zoom, basically.
It is also said to offer superior HDR performance over Samsung’s offerings, with a dynamic range of over 100db. It will also support 4K recording at 120 FPS, and 8K recording at 30 FPS… with HDR.
That’s basically everything the tipster shared. Now, if we compare this to Samsung’s 200MP offerings, the Sony LYT-910 does seem to be superior, at least on paper.
It does seem more compelling, on paper, than Samsung’s ISOCELL HP1 & HP2 sensors
The ISOCELL HP1 is a 1/1.22-inch sensor, and it’s the biggest sensor the company offers. The ISOCELL HP2 is the company’s best sensor, however, it’s a 1/1.4-inch unit. The ISOCLEL HPB is also worth noting, as it’s basically the ISOCELL HP2 in disguise.
We’re not sure when the Sony LYT-910 will become official, but by the looks of it, it could arrive soon. In fact, the OPPO Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra could end up utilizing it next year, we’ll see.
Those two phones, amongst some others, will look for an edge over their siblings. A powerful sensor like this would certainly give that to them. Everything is under wraps at the moment, so we’ll have to wait and see. This is the first time we’re hearing about this sensor.
OnePlus has just announced its new flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 15. Do note that this launch took place in China, and it is the initial launch event for the phone. The global launch event is expected to take place next month.
With that being said, we already had a lot of details about the device. Plenty of information surfaced, while OnePlus revealed some info little by little over the last couple of weeks. Most of the information that leaked was also accurate.
The OnePlus 15 is now official with a brand new design
The OnePlus 15 has a brand new design. It is even more boxy than before. The phone features a flat display, a flat backplate, and a flat frame. Its corners are rounded, though, and the same goes for the corners of the phone’s camera island.
Speaking of which, the camera island is no longer round, it is now a square with rounded corners. It looks entirely different and sits in the top-left corner on the back of the phone. There are still three cameras included on the inside, though.
The phone has a centered display camera hole up top, and even thinner bezels than its predecessor. The bezels here measure 1.15mm all around. The phone does include uniform bezels, which means they’re the same thickness on all sides.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip is used, along with a 165Hz AMOLED display
This smartphone is quite powerful, needless to say. It is fueled by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. That is Qualcomm’s most powerful chip to date. It is paired with 12GB/16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 flash storage (up to 1TB). Storage expansion is not supported.
A 6.78-inch AMOLED display sits on the front, with a 1.5K resolution (2772 x 1272). That display goes up to 165Hz, but only during gaming. In regular use, it can go between 1 and 120Hz, as needed. It has high-frequency PWM dimming and gets immensely bright when needed.
OnePlus included a massive 7,300mAh battery here, along with 120W charging
A 7,300mAh silicon-carbon battery is included in the package too. That battery is a lot bigger than the already big unit in the OnePlus 13. 120W wired charging is supported here, along with 50W wireless charging.
There is an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner included too, while Bluetooth 6.0 is supported. The same goes for Wi-Fi 7. Android 16 comes pre-installed on the device, along with ColorOS 16. OxygenOS 16 will be included on the global model. The phone is also IP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K certified for water and dust resistance.
The cameras seem to be a downgrade, at least on paper
There are three 50-megapixel cameras included on the back of the phone. A 50-megapixel main camera (1/1.56-inch sensor size) is backed by a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera (1/2.88-inch sensor size, 116-degree FoV). The third camera is a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto unit (1/2.76-inch sensor size, 3.5x optical zoom). On paper, these cameras do seem like downgrades compared to the OnePlus 13. We’ll have to see if that’s true in actual performance.
The OnePlus 15 measures 161.42 x 76.67 x 8.10-8.20mm, while it weighs 211/215 grams. It comes in Absolute Black, Mist Purple, and Sand Dune colors. They will have different names in markets outside of China.
The device’s pricing starts at CNY3,999 ($561) for the 12GB RAM model with 256GB of storage, while it goes up to CNY5,399 ($758) for the 16GB RAM variant with 1TB of storage.
After launching the Xiaomi 17 series, the Chinese brand is apparently working on a more premium model, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The handset may debut before the end of this year in China, very much ahead of the usual MWC timeline (globally) every year. A new leak suggests that, like the regular models in the series, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra may not arrive with a rear display.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra may not get a rear display
In the latest Weibo post, prolific leaker Digital Chat Station has shed some light on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s cameras. He says the phone will have a new 50MP primary camera with a large sensor and improved in-sensor zoom technology. It can seamlessly transition to the telephoto lens for lossless focal range coverage.
The telephoto unit could use a new 200MP large sensor, supporting multiple focal lengths. It could offer tele-macro shooting with “good magnification.” However, the focus range will not be extremely close, as per Digital Chat Station. Both lenses are claimed to offer a high dynamic range.
The phone could bring camera upgrades
Coming to the topic of rear display, one of the comments to the post asks the leaker whether the camera module is round or if it will have the new design (presumably referring to the rear display). To which, Digital Chat Station replies “circle.” This suggests that the phone may feature a large, round camera module like the predecessor, taking up a large portion of the back. It could be missing out on the rear display like its Pro siblings.
However, it contradicts a previous report that said Xiaomi will continue to use a secondary display on its next-gen flagships. Perhaps the Ultra model is an exception in order to accommodate large camera sensors.
The upcoming Xiaomi phone may feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and a 6.8-inch flat OLED 2K display. It could arrive in black, purple, and white shades.
The Roborock Q10 S5 is getting a massive discount right now, dropping to just $299 on Amazon — down from its usual $549 price tag. That’s a solid $250 in savings on one of the smartest robot vacuums you can buy in this price range. Roborock has built a strong reputation for offering high-end cleaning performance without the premium price, and the Q10 S5 continues that trend by packing serious suction power, a self-emptying dock, and advanced mopping capabilities into a sleek and compact design.
At the heart of the Q10 S5 is Roborock’s 10,000Pa HyperForce suction system, which easily pulls up dust, pet hair, and debris from both carpets and hardwood floors. It also includes a Dual Anti-Tangle System, which prevents hair from wrapping around the brush — a huge bonus for pet owners. The mop system uses VibraRise 2.0 technology, meaning it can automatically lift when transitioning from hard floors to carpets and apply pressure scrubbing when needed. Combined, these features let the Q10 S5 handle deep cleaning and daily maintenance without you lifting a finger.
What really makes this deal special is the price-to-performance ratio. At $299, you’re getting a robot vacuum that not only vacuums but also mops, empties itself, and maps your home with precision. That’s a combination usually reserved for models well over $600. While it doesn’t have the most advanced obstacle avoidance of Roborock’s flagship models, the Q10 S5 performs exceptionally well in real-world cleaning tests, especially for the price.
If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your home cleaning setup, now’s the perfect time. With its strong suction, self-emptying dock, anti-tangle design, and intelligent mopping system, the Roborock Q10 S5 is a steal at $299 — but this deal won’t last long.
Editor's Choice
Roborock Q10 S5+
– $299
This robot vacuum is small but mighty, woth 10,000Pa of suction power, and a dock that can hold 70 days worth of dirt and debris.
Many of you have probably already heard of Ulefone RugKing, the company’s budget rugged smartphone. What some of you may not know, is that this phone has a very powerful speaker. Uelfone has decided to demonstrate the RugKing’s speaker in a new promo video.
The Ulefone RugKing’s powerful speaker gets demoed in a promo video
If you check out the video below, you’ll see the speaker in action. You’ll not only see it running, but see it running while having a ton of dust on it, in a construction environment, amongst other scenes.
This is a rugged phone, and Ulefone wanted to show you that you don’t have to baby it, nor its speaker. In some of these shots, the phone is covered with dust, and yet it’s doing its job perfectly.
This is also a rather powerful speaker, a 126dB unit. It’s much more powerful than regular speakers you’d find on smartphones, that’s for sure. That’s another thing this phone has over other devices.
The speaker, in diameter, measures 36mm, and has an 11.5 CC sound cavity. It delivers HiFi-quality sound, says the company. In the video you can see above, its 126dB prowess is shown.
That speaker is really, really loud
Just to give you some comparisons. A shotgun can provide noise of 160dB, while jet engine taking off provides noise of 140dB. A siren and a rock concert are at 110dB, while a motorcycle is at 100dB. Power tools provide 90dB of noise, while heavy traffic can provide 80-90dB.
In addition to its ruggedness and powerful speaker, this phone also comes with 8GB of RAM. It offers 256GB of expandable internal storage and a 50-megapixel main camera. A large 9,600mAh battery is also included in the package.
Android 15 comes pre-installed on the device, while a 5.99-inch HD+ LCD display sits on the front. A side-facing fingerprint scanner is also included here, while the phone also supports facial scanning.
Compared to Android phones, Apple’s iPhones typically do not have that much RAM. However, with the iPhone 18, Apple is rumored to bump up the phone’s RAM by as much as 50%. This is according to a recent report from Korean publication, The Bell.
iPhone 18 could feature more RAM
According to the report, Apple’s iPhone 18 will come with as much as 50% more RAM. For context, the base iPhone 17 comes with 8GB of RAM. The Air, Pro, and Pro Max models feature 12GB of RAM. This means that for the iPhone 18 series, we could see a bump in RAM from 12-16GB of RAM.
The report also claims that Apple has asked its memory suppliers to produce more LPDDR5X DRAM chips. This alone should give us some clues as to how much RAM to expect. This is because at the moment, LPDDR5X chips are only available in 12GB and 16GB variants. This means we’re looking at 12GB of RAM at the very least, or 16GB for Apple’s higher-end models.
But is it necessary?
That being said, we have to wonder if having more RAM is necessary. This is because Apple already controls its software and hardware. This is how iOS and its apps have no issues running with smaller amounts of RAM compared to Android. It also means that unless Apple is making some fundamental changes to its iOS platform, we’re not sure if there are tangible benefits to having more RAM.
It is possible that because AI, like Apple Intelligence, that Apple could increase the memory on its 2026 iPhones. We’re already seeing how some older iPhone models do not support Apple Intelligence due to hardware constraints. So maybe future models with more RAM could allow more advanced AI features.
Apple will launch its iPhone 18 series in 2026. However, according to the rumors, Apple could split up the launch. It could launch the iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max in the fall of 2026, as per usual. But the base iPhone 18 and the iPhone 18e could launch in the following spring.
We’re also hearing rumors that the iPhone Fold could be delayed to 2027. There are also whispers that Apple could cancel its plans for the iPhone Air 2. Either way, we’ll find out more in the coming months.
Despite a recent report, which claimed that Samsung’s first tri-fold phone could arrive to the US, that’s quite unlikely. Evan Blass, a well-known tipster, just shared the markets the device will arrive to, and the US is not amongst them.
Samsung’s first tri-fold smartphone is coming this week, but not the US
Evan went to X to say that the company’s first tri-fold smartphone will likely launch in Korea, the greater Chinese market (including Singapore and Taiwan), and possibly the UAE. That’s basically it.
The tipster did say, however, that he’d “love to be wrong”, but he doesn’t think he is. Everything point to Samsung avoiding both the US and Europe as launch markets for its very first tri-fold smartphone.
When will this thing finally launch? Well, another new report reveals some information on that too. According to a report from The Korea Herald, the device will arrive later this week, actually.
It is tipped to launch during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2025 summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. That’s a mouthful, but the summit is taking place from October 31 to November 1.
October 31 is probably its launch date
Samsung will likely want to announce the device during the first day of the summit, so there’s a good chance we’ll see it on October 31. Nothing has been confirmed just yet, however, so we’ll have to wait and see.
From earlier reports, we know that the device will likely cost around $2,800. So it will be around a $1,000 more expensive than the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It is tipped to have a 6.5-inch cover display, and a 10-inch main display, when fully expanded. An 8-inch display could be the middle-fold state.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is rumored, along with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. A 200-megapixel main camera was also mentioned in rumors, along with both an ultrawide and a periscope telephoto camera.
Smart homes make life convenient. You can adjust the thermostat on your way home, check security cameras from your phone, and control lights with your voice. But convenience comes at a cost. Every device in your home that connects to the internet is a potential door for a hacker. If you are not thinking like an attacker, you are leaving your digital front door wide open.
I have spent decades studying how hackers think, and one thing is clear. The easiest targets are often the ones that ignore basic security. Here are ten ways to secure your smart home before someone else does it for you.
1. Prioritize Strong and Unique Passwords
Many smart devices come with default passwords such as “admin” or “123456,” and hackers know them. Leaving these defaults in place is the same as leaving your front door key under the mat.
Change passwords immediately on every smart device, your router, and your Wi-Fi network Each device and app should have its own distinct password to stay secure. A strong password uses a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Twelve characters is the minimum you should use.
Practical tip: Use a password manager to generate and store unique credentials. It may feel like extra work, but it protects every device in your home.
Example: In one apartment I assessed, a smart door lock used the default password. Hackers were able to control it remotely because the owner never changed it.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
Passwords alone are not enough. If your smart devices support Multi-Factor Authentication, enable it. This adds a second verification step, such as a code sent to your phone, whenever someone tries to log in.
Even if a hacker guesses or steals your password, they cannot access your devices without this second step.
Example: If someone guesses the password to your smart thermostat, Multi-Factor Authentication prevents them from changing your home temperature or learning your routines.
3. Keep Device Firmware and Software Updated
Outdated devices are easy targets for attackers. Manufacturers release updates to fix vulnerabilities and bugs. Ignoring updates is like leaving a window unlocked while you sleep.
Enable automatic updates wherever possible. For devices that require manual updates, check the manufacturer’s app or website regularly.
Example: In 2023, researchers discovered a vulnerability in a popular security camera that allowed attackers to view live feeds. Devices that were updated automatically were safe, while older devices remained exposed.
4. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
Your router is the command center of your smart home. If it is compromised, every connected device is at risk. Use the latest Wi-Fi security protocol, such as WPA3, or at least WPA2. Change the default network name and Wi-Fi password.
Practical tip: Avoid using your real name or address in the network name. Hackers often target obvious Wi-Fi names.
Example: A network named “JohnSmithHomeWiFi” is more likely to attract attention than a generic name like “BlueSky123.”
5. Use a Separate Network for Smart Devices
Not every device needs access to sensitive information. Create a separate network for cameras, plugs, and other gadgets. This keeps your personal computers, phones, and sensitive data separate.
If a hacker gains access to a device on this separate network, they cannot easily move to your more important systems.
Example: I have seen situations where a smart plug was compromised, but the attacker could not reach the home office network because the devices were on a separate network.
6. Check Devices and Manufacturers
Not all smart devices are created equal. Before buying a new product, research the manufacturer’s reputation and security track record. Look for companies that provide regular updates and clear privacy policies.
Example: A reputable brand encrypts video from security cameras to prevent unauthorized access. Cheap cameras often send data unprotected, leaving your home vulnerable.
Practical tip: Investing a little more in a trusted brand is better than saving a few dollars and risking your security.
7. Turn Off Unnecessary Features
Many smart devices have features enabled by default that you may never use, such as remote access, Bluetooth pairing, or automatic connections to apps. Each active feature creates a potential point of entry for hackers.
Practical tip: Review your device settings and disable features that are not essential to daily use.
Example: A smart fridge may allow Bluetooth connections by default. If you do not use this feature, turn it off to reduce your risk.
8. Monitor Connected Devices
Regularly review the devices connected to your network. Remove any device that is unused or unfamiliar. Forgotten devices can act as open doors for attackers.
Practical tip: Check your router’s admin page or smart home dashboard at least once a month. Keep a note of every device that belongs on the network.
Example: I have seen neighbors’ devices accidentally connecting to someone else’s network. If unnoticed, this can create a vulnerability.
9. Use a VPN on Your Router
A VPN protects your online activity by turning your data into a form that outsiders cannot understand. Configuring a VPN on your router protects every device in your home automatically.
Practical tip: Use a trusted VPN provider and set it up on your router if possible. This is especially useful when accessing smart home devices remotely from public Wi-Fi.
Example: When traveling, you can check your home cameras safely over a coffee shop network without exposing your data.
10. Manage Voice Assistant Settings
Smart speakers and voice assistants are convenient but always listening. Review privacy settings for Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. Delete stored voice recordings regularly and limit data collection.
Example: Restricting cloud storage of voice commands helps prevent attackers or third-party employees from accessing your personal routines.
Bonus Tip: Use Wired Connections for Key Devices
Wi-Fi is convenient, but wired connections offer better security and stability. Connect critical devices, such as smart hubs, cameras, or network storage systems, directly to your router using Ethernet cables.
Wired connections reduce the risk of hackers intercepting your signal and ensure faster and more reliable communication. Power over Ethernet is a useful option because it delivers power and data through one cable.
Practical tip: Whenever you can, connect your hub and cameras using fast wired cables. For safety and reliability, choose cables that are safe to install inside your walls, such as category 6 plenum rated Ethernet cables. Use Wi-Fi only for devices that cannot be connected with wires.
Final Thoughts
Securing your smart home requires ongoing attention. Think like an attacker and close the doors before someone tries to open them. Follow these steps, check devices regularly, and maintain good habits.
Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort. It is an ongoing process of vigilance and smart digital practices. A safe home is not just about locks on doors, it is about protecting the invisible connections that control your life.
By taking these steps, you can rest easier knowing your home and personal data are protected.
Every year, people rush to upgrade their devices, leaving older models collecting dust or ending up in landfills. What many don’t realize is that these outdated gadgets still have potential, whether reused, repurposed, or resold. With sustainability becoming a priority, giving older devices a second chance makes both financial and environmental sense. Modern buyers are finding smart ways to extend the life of what once seemed obsolete. From refurbished items to creative upcycling projects, today’s consumers are proving that older devices can stay useful longer than expected.
Before discarding what you think is outdated, here’s why you should consider how it might serve a new purpose and even save you money in the process.
Why Old Devices Deserve a Second Chance
Old devices often hold more value than people assume. Many still run smoothly for basic needs like browsing, streaming, or writing. The growing e-waste problem makes reuse even more important, as electronics contain materials that can harm the environment if thrown away carelessly. Extending the lifespan of these gadgets reduces waste and lowers the demand for new manufacturing. People who repair or repurpose older products also benefit by saving money and learning valuable skills. Instead of tossing your device, check if it can be repaired, reused, or donated. A small effort like this helps protect the environment while keeping your digital tools useful for years to come.
Smart Ways to Find Value in Pre-Owned Devices
Finding reliable pre-owned devices is easier than ever. Some trusted retailers offer refurbished laptops and gadgets that go through thorough testing before resale. They often include warranties and fair pricing to make buying secondhand safe and simple. On trusted online sites, buyers can explore certified options that perform almost like new without the heavy cost of fresh releases. This is where you can confidently buy used laptops that are tested, backed by return policies, and environmentally conscious. Many platforms also provide trade-in programs, letting users recycle old products responsibly while saving on upgrades. This approach combines sustainability, affordability, and practicality for modern consumers.
Upcycle for Function: Turning Old Tablets into Smart Displays
An old tablet doesn’t have to be forgotten in a drawer. With simple adjustments, it can turn into a smart home control screen, recipe display, or digital photo frame. Apps and Wi-Fi connections make it easy to use older models for lightweight tasks. Mounting them in the kitchen or living room keeps information accessible without buying new gadgets. This kind of repurposing cuts down waste and adds convenience to your daily routine. You don’t need expensive setups to make these devices functional again. A little creativity can transform yesterday’s hardware into something practical and stylish for your household.
DIY Projects Using Old Electronics
If you enjoy hands-on work, old devices can become the foundation for creative projects. Turn an unused smartphone into a security camera, a music player, or a home server. Outdated monitors can become secondary displays, while older computers can be turned into retro game systems or educational tools. With online tutorials, even those new to tinkering can handle simple modifications. These activities promote learning while reducing waste. Repurposing gadgets not only saves money but also gives you a rewarding sense of purpose. Instead of letting outdated items gather dust, explore how small changes can make them functional again. It’s a satisfying way to extend their usefulness sustainably.
Donate, Don’t Discard: Giving Tech a New Purpose
Donating older devices can make a bigger impact than you might expect. Many community programs, schools, and shelters accept functional electronics to help those in need. Your unused laptop or tablet could support students, teachers, or job seekers who can’t afford new devices. Several organizations refurbish donated items before redistributing them, extending their lifespan and preventing e-waste. Before donating, wipe all personal data and reset the system. Giving devices a second chance benefits both the environment and people who rely on technology for learning or work. It’s a simple step that supports sustainability while improving lives across local communities.
Selling Responsibly: How to Prepare Your Old Devices
If you plan to sell your old device, do it safely. Start by backing up your files, performing a factory reset, and removing personal information. Clean the device to make it look more appealing and check if accessories like chargers or cases are in good shape. Many resale platforms and local stores offer trade-in options or buybacks for functioning equipment. Properly handling data before selling protects your privacy while ensuring someone else can use the device without issues. Responsible selling helps circulate gadgets within the market instead of contributing to waste. This keeps more devices in use and supports eco-friendly practices.
The Growing Market for Sustainable Tech
Consumers today are increasingly aware of how their purchasing decisions affect the planet. The shift toward refurbished and reusable devices is growing rapidly. Brands now design products with repairability and recycling in mind, while certified sellers give pre-owned gadgets a reliable second life. This growing demand encourages companies to adopt sustainable business models that value longevity over constant replacement. For buyers, this means affordable prices and reduced waste. Choosing pre-owned devices supports responsible consumption without compromising performance. As awareness grows, more people are realizing that sustainable tech choices benefit everyone—from individual users to the environment at large.
Reducing E-Waste Starts at Home
Sustainability begins with small actions. Instead of replacing devices too soon, maintain them with regular updates and protective cases. Repairing small issues, such as a cracked screen or a weak battery, can extend their usability. Recycling programs offered by retailers and manufacturers make safe disposal easy when a device finally stops working. Keeping gadgets longer helps reduce waste and environmental damage. These small choices at home lead to collective change over time. With a little care, your devices can last much longer and serve many purposes before needing replacement, making your household more sustainable and resourceful overall.
Old devices don’t need to end up in a drawer or landfill. Repurposing, donating, or purchasing refurbished items gives them a second life while helping the planet. The push toward sustainability is about more than trends—it’s about smarter, more responsible habits. Choosing to reuse or repair means less waste, fewer emissions, and greater value for everyone involved. Whether you buy pre-owned, donate to someone in need, or transform a gadget into something new, every small effort matters. It’s time to view yesterday’s devices not as waste but as opportunities to build a more sustainable and resource-conscious world for the future.
Mobile usage has grown, and it’s now the primary way that many people access apps, retailers and other services. As such, businesses, retailers and industries need to make sure that they are able to cater to this. Part of this involves making the payment options as simple as possible, allowing consumers the easiest access to getting their hands on products or services. The adoption of simple, frictionless payments is now widespread across industries and this article will take a look at some of the top ones using mobile payments.
Gaming online
Unsurprisingly, one of the first sectors to adopt frictionless payments was the gaming industry. Online casinos quickly took steps to ensure that players could make swift, seamless payments from their mobile devices when setting up a casino deposit. Not only did this entail offering speedy payment methods such as linking e-Wallets or Trustly accounts, but it went one step further. Mobile bill payment in the form of Pay by Mobile casino platforms are now prevalent in the industry. This payment method allows players to link their phone bill to their gaming account, paying any deposits at the end of each month as part of their mobile plan. This method allows players to make instant deposits and get playing. Monthly limits mean players are able to manage their bankrolls more effectively and avoid overspending.
Going shopping
Another sector that has seen a major adoption of frictionless mobile payment is the retail and e-commerce industry. Here, it’s common to see one-click payment options such as those found on Amazon. This makes it a lot easier for customers to buy products without the need to keep re-entering payment information. There’s also a focus on mobile-first purchases, with loyalty programmes often integrated into the use of a mobile app instead of the browser version of the site. Finally, there’s also been the integration of QR code payments, which makes it very quick for in-person transactions. This way, both online and in-person, shoppers can enjoy seamless mobile payments and pay directly from their phone without the need for cards, PINs or providing other payment details.
Hitting the road
Both the travel and accommodation industries have also quickly taken on board the need for speedy, seamless mobile payments. For someone actually travelling, on-the-go payment options make paying for things a lot simpler. This is the case for everything from booking a hotel to paying for a meal. Businesses that accept mobile payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also more likely to get more bookings from international visitors and consumers who prefer these methods when abroad. By offering seamless mobile payments across all areas of the travel process, guest satisfaction is boosted, which results in good reviews and the potential for a repeat customer. This is essential in what is already a competitive and oversaturated market.
Picking a subscription
These days, there’s a very strong subscription trend, with most products or services offering subscription services to get smoother or better features and offers. This means that companies like Uber use what are called invisible payments, where the transaction is processed automatically in the background after the drive has been completed. In this way, it’s completely seamless for both parties, with no faff or hassle at either end. Users simply provide their payment details in the app once, and then this method is used going forward for all rides. Frictionless processes like this help to encourage repeat customers and build loyalty. Payments are always a major friction point, and poor payment methods often deter customers from actually using the service repeatedly.
Subscription models are also a major part of many industries, notably when it comes to entertainment. These services take regular revenue from customers without the need for those consumers to keep providing their payment details. Payments are taken automatically to ensure continuous service for the customer and continuous cash flow for the business.
Final thoughts
Frictionless mobile payments are increasingly the norm. Customers can use Google Pay or Apple Pay at a large array of different platforms, retailers and businesses. Better still, some platforms, once the payment details have been provided, do not need customers to provide any further information, allowing payments to be painless at all times.
Samsung is now bringing the One UI 8 update to the Galaxy A54 in the US and the Galaxy M55 in India. These rollouts follow their initial deployment in Samsung’s home ground and select Asian and European countries.
Galaxy A54 at Cricket Wireless carrier in the US and Galaxy M55 5G in India are getting their Android 16-based One UI 8. Having a compatible Galaxy device makes you eligible to grab this free upgrade from Samsung.
One UI 8 brings user interface refinements to Galaxy users. One UI 7 brought Now Bar, and One UI 8 makes it compatible with even more services. Android 16’s Live Updates are also official, which will benefit your Samsung.
Samsung has improved the Object Eraser and Reflection Eraser tools. The Gallery app’s Remaster feature also functions faster than ever. You may notice more precise results while editing images using the Object Eraser feature.
System animations and fluency have been improved, too. Try using the Good Lock app and its supported modules for additional tweaks and customization. You can now get this personalization app from Google’s Play Store as well.
One UI 8
One UI 8 focuses on various system apps and activities. Apps like My Files, Reminders, and Calendar have adopted a redesigned UI. This overhaul is centered on streamlining the overall user experience on Galaxy devices.
The best part, One UI 8 update makes your device eligible for the One UI 8.5. As your device has now received Android 16, the next big One UI upgrade should be provided, which is expected to bring brand-new UI and features.
Check for updates manually through Settings > Software update > Download and install.
Owners of the Galaxy Tab S8, Tab S8 Plus, and Tab S8 Ultra are getting Samsung’s Android 16-based One UI 8. The major software’s availability is currently capped to South Korea, but Samsung will soon take it to the Global market.
One UI 8 also brings together the September 2025 security patch, which provides fixes for plenty of CVE and SVE items. Samsung is also rolling out the October patch, but your tablet might receive the December patch next.
You are getting a plethora of new features, design improvements, and performance enhancements. Samsung included specific refinements in One UI 8 for its large-screen devices, such as foldable smartphones and tablets.
The biggest change you will notice is the redesigned Quick Settings and Notification Panel. The two panels have adopted a pretty good design over the One UI 7. The adoption of dynamic blur takes the visual appeal to a whole new level.
System animations and multitasking have been improved further. Samsung DeX is now based on Google’s Desktop Mode, bringing additional features and a more PC-like experience when you connect with a compatible monitor.
Don’t eye the implementation of the Now Brief feature as Samsung had a single wave of expansion that covered 2024 flagships. Meanwhile, Now Bar will gradually support more and more apps and activities for real-time updates.
Head towards your tablet’s Settings, followed by the Software update section. Once done, you should see a button entitled Download and install. Hit the key to force your Galaxy device to connect to the server and begin fetching the OTA.
Samsung is rolling out a new software update to the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro with charging improvement. The company’s premium earbuds are receiving this firmware in South Korea, with expansion likely in the coming days.
October 2025 update for the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro includes a “stability code related to charging operation.” Samsung recommends users install this new software to experience optimal performance and experience.
Galaxy Buds leverage on charging case to juice up their batteries. However, Samsung’s patch could mainly focus on the battery aspect to improve the charging. The battery life may also get a little boost, elevating the user experience.
In addition, the update should’ve also carried stability enhancements. Meanwhile, no new feature’s addition has been observed so far. If you find any new, kindly let us know through DM on X @thesammyfans.
Samsung also issued a general advice that the update’s content may vary by model, country and carrier. That said, the Global users may or may not receive charging improvements when the rollout begins outside Korea.
You can install the latest firmware through the Galaxy Wearable app. Open the application, head towards the device’s Settings, followed by Earbuds Software update, and hit the Download and install button.
Remember, the rollout has started only in South Korea. An expansion could take some time, so don’t panic if your earbuds don’t fetch the OTA.
The iPhone 17 has been out for over a month now, but for smartphone photographers wanting to use Adobe's Project Indigo to shoot on, they have been left disappointed -- until now.
The OnePlus 15 is now available to order in the company's home market. Arriving at a ~$70 lower starting price than the OnePlus 13, the OnePlus 15 contains numerous performance and battery upgrades but misses out on Hasselblad camera tunings of older OnePlus flagships.
Deal | The G5 is the best OLED TV from the house of LG, offering a plethora of attractive specifications that premium OLED hunters are often on the lookout for. Thanks to an ongoing Amazon sale, the very capable LG G5 can now be purchased with a sizeable $1,000 discount
Nothing has finally confirmed the launch date for what it describes as its next entry-level smartphone. Arriving on Wednesday, the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite retains the transparent design of previous Nothing smartphones, but potentially with a smaller Glyph lighting interface.
Teslas can warm up their battery to notch the fastest possible charging speeds when navigating to a Supercharger station. Tesla has explained how its battery preconditioning adapts.
Aoostar has released the EG01, a new OCuLink eGPU with an integrated mini-PC mounting solution. The eGPU solution will be available shortly worldwide too, as Aoostar has already confirmed global pricing and availability.
The Wiko Hi MateBook 14 aims to deliver compelling value. Powered by a snappy AMD Ryzen processor, this mid-range laptop features a distinctive keyboard design and a fast 120 Hz OLED touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio.
Retroid's new Pocket G2 handheld shares several features with the Pocket 5 launched a year ago. However, a newer processor, faster RAM, and new colors are enough differences.
Serial leaker Moore's Law Is Dead has revealed some interesting information concerning the release date of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 dual-3D V-Cache CPU. Per the leaker, the CPU isn't expected to hit store shelves until Q1 2026.
Images from the canceled multiplayer game God of War have recently leaked, highlighting a period that was very popular with gamers. And that's not all, because one important detail could have changed the course of the game
Nothing CEO Carl Pei has previously spoken out against shipping smartphones with loads of bloatware, but bloatware will still be part of Nothing smartphones going forward. Nothing is also upsetting customers with ads on the lock screen.
Xiaomi now has a new portable printer on offer. It is designed to produce high-resolution photos, allowing users to create memories on the go. The printing process is said to be very user friendly
Those who are not budget-conscious at all and are looking for the fastest, best-equipped gaming notebook possible should take a look at the RTX 5090 model variant of the Legion 9 18.
A wide-angle camera and a macro camera in an affordable smartphone? A rarity. The Samsung Galaxy A17 4G has both, plus other features you wouldn't expect in this price range.
Casio’s new GST-B1000, a slim full-metal G-Steel flagship, will reportedly launch on November 1 alongside the GW-BX5600. Pre-orders will open in Japan with high demand expected for its analog, premium design.
Today, OnePlus took the wraps off its new flagship duo - the OnePlus 15 and Ace 6.
The pair will launch in China initially, and we expect a global unveiling later in November.
Both phones pack Snapdragon processors and 165Hz screens, as well as massive batteries. Let's dive in.
OnePlus 15
The flagship proper gets a new design. The OnePlus 15 is now all flat, ditching the quad-curved display. The screen is entirely different, too, no longer a 6.82-inch QHD 120Hz unit but a 6.78-inch FHD+ 165Hz one. It's a newer BOE X3 panel. The bezels are an even, smaller 1.15mm on all...
Samsung has teased and confirmed that its first tri-fold smartphone will launch this year, but we’ve yet to see an official launch date for the device. It seems we don’t have to wait much longer, as a new report from The Korea Herald suggests the next-generation foldable is set to debut at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2025 summit later this week. The summit will take place from October 31 to November 1 in Gyeongju, South Korea.
Samsung has yet to decide on a product name for its tri-fold. Rumors suggest it could be called Galaxy G Fold or Galaxy Z TriFold. The device...
If you’ve used proxies before, you already know the struggle — plenty of services promise lightning-fast speed and stability, but sadly, only a few actually deliver.
And no matter the nature of your work, scraping large volumes of data, managing many social media accounts or monitoring how your ads appear across regions, even a small delay or dropped request can derail your work.
That’s why getting the right provider is the first and most crucial step to getting a smooth experience. A proxy is as good as its consistency. You need connections that respond instantly, stay online, and adapt to the intensity of your tasks.
That ensures your business operations run smoothly without unnecessary downtimes. Picking a reliable proxy means choosing one with a feature that checks all your needs.
In this showdown, we’re looking at 6 top providers through one lens only — how fast and reliable they really are. From enterprise-level networks to flexible plug-and-play solutions, here’s how they stack up.
1. NetNut
When it comes to raw performance, NetNut is easily one of the best residential proxies thanks to how it’s built. Instead of relying on a peer-to-peer network where IPs come from end-user devices, NetNut uses direct ISP connections.
That alone changes everything because direct ISP routing cuts out the middleman. So, when you send requests, they don’t bounce around due to unpredictable user networks. Instead, they move straight through reliable ISPs.
The result?
Lower latency, short response times, and fewer connection drops. If you’ve ever worked with proxies that lag or time out, you’ll immediately feel the difference.
In independent performance tests, NetNut regularly records response times under 1 second and uptime rates close to 99.9%. And with the network’s consistency, you experience minimal IP blocks since the traffic looks cleaner and more legitimate.
Another thing that makes NetNut reliable is its transparent reporting. You can track performance metrics in real time from the intuitive dashboard, letting you see exactly how your sessions behave.
If you want instant connectivity and consistent uptime, this is one of the most reliable systems out there — you are assured your speed isn’t being throttled. That’s why it’s the go-to choice for real-time applications — like price monitoring or ad verification — where milliseconds really do matter.
2. Bright Data
Bright Data (formerly Luminati) is often the first name you hear thrown around in proxy conversations, and for good reason. It’s among the largest residential proxy networks on the market, with millions of IPs across almost every region you can think of.
When it comes to reliability, the scale alone gives it an edge. You’re less likely to hit repeat IPs or encounter location restrictions. This provider stands out for its rock-solid uptime and impressive throughput, even under heavy enterprise workloads.
It runs on Smart Routing technology that automatically finds the fastest, most efficient path for your traffic, cutting latency and keeping your connections smooth — which comes in handy during peak demand.
So, if you want something that can handle massive data scraping or SEO monitoring, Bright Data guarantees resilience and speed. As such, it remains one of the most dependable solutions.
3. Oxylabs
Oxylabs is all about precision. You can tell it’s engineered for professional use from how it delivers remarkable stability. Its residential pool of over 100 million IPs offers excellent global coverage and very low block rates.
When it comes to speed, Oxylabs ranks among the top three in independent tests, maintaining low latency across multiple regions. What’s impressive is that its speed doesn’t drop dramatically under load — something that plagues many competitors.
Oxylabs also delivers an impressive 99.95% uptime and smart IP rotation, ensuring your sessions stay stable even during long, intensive tasks. Its robust infrastructure is built for performance, making it perfect for demanding tasks like brand monitoring, where reliability can’t be compromised.
4. SOAX
SOAX is known for its clean IP pool and flexible rotation settings. You control how frequently IPs change — every request, every minute, or every hour to suit how stable you want your sessions to stay.
On the reliability side, SOAX performs well. You’ll experience minimal connection drops because their IPs are well-maintained. When it comes to speed, it responds quickly to your requests with rare lags, even in remote locations.
SOAX remains a great middle-ground provider. So, if you need a provider that gets geolocation targeting or smaller data sets right, its stability will serve you well.
5. IPRoyal
If you’re just starting or running low-scale projects, IPRoyal offers solid dependability without the high enterprise cost. It’s one of the most affordable residential proxy providers with transparent pay-as-you-go pricing.
In terms of reliability, IPRoyal performs well considering the cost. Its impressive uptime sits around 99%, and IP diversity is decent for its size. Despite the slight speed fluctuations during peak usage hours, the response time is usually around 2–3 seconds even under heavy loads.
For moderate data scraping, research, or personal use, IPRoyal holds up. It’s one of the budget-friendly choices on our list.
6. Smartproxy
Smartproxy strikes a balance between performance and usability. It comes with an intuitive dashboard that makes it easy to set up proxies and monitor performance without requiring technical skills.
Speed-wise, this provider stays competitive. Its reliable network consistently delivers low-latency results, especially in North America and Europe. Behind the good performance are automatic rotation and IP refresh features that ensure requests rarely fail, even during extended sessions.
In reliability tests, uptime averages 99.47%, which puts it in the upper tier. While it’s not quite as consistent as NetNut or Oxylabs, it offers value for its pricing. Their biggest advantage? Stability at scale — you can run dozens of concurrent tasks without seeing a sharp drop in speed.
Conclusion
Residential proxies make or break your operations by how fast and stable they are. All these top providers in this comparison have their strengths, but not all are built equally. So, you need to choose one that best suits your needs. You can have millions of IPs and advanced dashboards, but if your proxies freeze or time out when you need them most, the rest doesn’t matter.
If you prioritize raw performance, NetNut leads with its direct ISP connections — the fastest and most stable approach in the industry right now. Oxylabs and Bright Data follow closely, offering enterprise-grade reliability for large-scale users. For smaller or flexible needs, Smartproxy, IPRoyal, and SOAX provide a balance of speed and cost-effectiveness.
So, first decide what level of consistency you need and what you’re willing to pay for it. When milliseconds can make or break your data pipeline, you want a proxy that doesn’t stutter or stall. Because in this race, consistency is a necessity that can give you a real competitive edge.
If you’ve glanced at your screen lately, you’ve probably noticed how sports tech is quietly transforming what we watch, how we watch it, and what we talk about afterwards.
In India, this shift feels bigger than ever. New mobile platforms and analytics tools are gaining traction, and one of the most talked-about is the TTB Predictions App. The Top Bookies is carving out a niche by promising something different: data-driven fan engagement and sharper insights.
A Ground-Level Look at Sports Tech in India
The Indian sports technology market generated USD 185.3 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 830.3 million by 2030, with a CAGR of about 23.9% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is driven by digital adoption, franchise expansion, and the increasing number of mobile users.
Platforms once limited to live scores or fantasy are broadening into analytics, content, and community. As Sudeep Kulkarni of Game Theory once said, “Technology now fits like a glove in the modern ecosystem of sports performance analysis.”
But what makes TTB Predictions stand out? Well, it’s how they combine real-time data, machine learning, experts’ opinions, and user engagement.
So, they’re not just tracking numbers produced by matches as they’re actually building a narrative around that data to make information easier to digest for fans who are just curious or want to come up with predictions more accurately.
What the TTB Predictions App Does
At its core, TTB Predictions offers predictive modelling based on historic performance, pitch and weather data, in-match event tracking, and user-friendly dashboards. Users receive match insights, player metrics, and what the app describes as “engagement prompts” to watch games differently.
Also, their predictions are completely free, and even if they use prediction models, they have cricket lovers and experts on board, so you know they’re not just reading the numbers.
Behind the scenes, apps like The Top Bookies are facing three key challenges: data access (especially for domestic leagues), modeling accuracy in highly volatile games, and making insights understandable for the average fan. The test will be whether it converts curious downloads into daily active users.
Why This Matters for Indian Sports
Why does an app like TTB Predictions matter? First, it addresses a gap. In India, we have a huge passion for sport, especially cricket, but there are only a few tools or platforms that translate raw performance data into something fan-friendly.
TTB also opens new monetization paths for partnerships, broadcasters, and leagues that are more than just ticket sales and traditional ads.
The timing is critical, too. With leagues growing, viewership fragmenting, and younger audiences expecting interactivity, sports tech platforms form the new frontier. TTB Predictions is positioning itself as India’s most downloaded sports predictions app, and leveraging that reach to tie with content creators, regional leagues, and fan-engagement campaigns.
For brands and sponsors, this means a shift in how value is measured when it comes to how engaged a user is with an app, how much time they spend, what content they share, and what analytics drive. TTB’s model may well become a template for others.
Barriers and What to Watch Next
Of course, this isn’t a guaranteed success story. Sports tech in India is still facing a lot of challenges. Data privacy and platform liability are some of them. When the machine says “Player X will score,” and it doesn’t happen, how will these technologies maintain user trust?
The thing is that the legal framework around sports-tech analytics is still young. Additionally, monetization remains tricky in India, and users expect free or low-cost apps.
Accuracy is also important and can be a challenge for sports prediction apps. An analytics tool may flag trends, but nothing in cricket or even any sports match is absolute. After all, a single upset can easily turn things around.
Looking ahead, three signals will matter:
1. whether the app expands beyond cricket into other sports (football, kabaddi, badminton) in India;
2. how it partners with leagues, broadcasters, or content platforms; and
3. whether it builds sustainable revenue streams, like subscriptions, in-app content, and regional tie-ups.
Summary
If Indian sports tech has a “next big thing,” it could well be TTB Predictions. The platform aligns with today’s latest trends in the sports scene: mobile-first audiences, data-rich sports, fan-centric engagement, and regionalization. But the real measure will be execution.
Will it prove that predictions and insights matter as much as match highlight reels?
Well, for athletes, fans, leagues, broadcasters, and brands, what happens next will be interesting. How we predict sports outcomes is now evolving, and TTB is one of those platforms at the forefront. So, download the app if you want valuable insights on upcoming cricket matches.
A report from a Korean media claims that Samsung was ousted from Nvidia HBM4 supply in the early stage. The company has just secured a long-overdue approval for HBM3E from Nvidia, but the new rumor claims different.
NewsTopKorea article (now deleted) claimed the HBM4 samples supplied by Samsung have been rejected in the qualification test by Nvidia. However, analyst Jukan confirmed with his sources and reported on X that the rumor was fake.
Besides HBM4, the report also stated that Nvidia didn’t award supply volumes to Samsung for HBM3E chips despite quality certification. Similar to HBM4, the HBM3E supply rejection also seems to be a baseless information.
The next-gen Nvidia AI accelerators will utilize HBM4, a major leap over HBM3E. The company requires even faster high-bandwidth memories for its AI accelerators, and HBM4 will be the next trending solution in the AI era.
Back in September, Samsung’s reportedly sent HBM4 chip samples to Nvidia. The qualification assessment might still be underway, and the Korean tech giant may eventually turn things in its favor, given foundry improvements.
Unexpected news coming out from Samsung’s home ground, where a Galaxy S25 Plus caught fire moments after excessive overheating.
A user of the Galaxy S25 Plus reported the incident on Samsung’s Korean community (via @ya_sking12767). As per the forum post, the Galaxy S25 Plus has suddenly started overheating; estimating the potential fire, the user threw it away.
This incident puts Samsung’s product safety in question once again. It seems the owner of the affected device is safe; that’s the best news in this incident. The quick decision to throw away the phone has avoided critical damage.
Following the incident, the user took their phone in an exploded condition to nearby service center. However, the initial investigation didn’t reveal the exact cause of this unexpected explosion, which must be thoroughly investigated.
The user, who faced this issue, reported:
The S25+ I was holding got extremely hot and made a popping sound, so I threw it on the floor, and then a fire broke out. The Samsung Service Center says the investigation concluded the cause is unknown.
As the complaint is posted in the official community, Samsung would directly contact the user. The device might be picked up from the user’s end for further investigation, and hopefully, they will get a new unit as a replacement.
Via – @ya_sking12767/X
Galaxy S25 Plus Battery & Charging
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Plus comes with a 4,900mAh battery and supports up to 45W fast charging. It’s a safe battery capacity, which the company has been utilizing for more than half a decade on the Galaxy S Ultra version.
The user claims the phone was not put on charge. Meanwhile, the comment section is filled with mixed reactions, with some concerned about their S25 devices, while some are guessing a 3rd-party charger may have been used.
We recommend that readers keep monitoring their phone’s temperature. It may generate heat in certain tasks, but if you notice an excessive level of overheating, stop using it and keep away until it gets cooler, and visit the service center.
This article will be refreshed when a new update arrives on the matter.
Google Chrome browser has now adopted a complete Material 3 Expressive design. The deployment of new UI components was initiated in late August, and Google took almost two months to fully deploy the interface.
Samsung phones have also received the updated Chrome with new Expressive design elements. The leading internet browser app has turned a bit more visually appealing, thanks to Google’s brand-new design language.
Google’s Chrome app has tweaked its 3-dot menu and tab grid.
The 3-dot menu now has forward, bookmark, download, site info, and refresh buttons in circular containers at the top. In the screenshots attached, you can see the Chrome app’s 3-dot overflow menu in Light and Dark modes.
Next is the Tab Grid, which has painted the new tab “plus” icon into dynamic color. Depending on your phone’s theming settings, Chrome’s “plus” key within the Tab Grid will appear be it Blue, Pink, or Monochrome.
When you swipe to close a tab, a pop-up appears at the bottom that has adopted a shadow effect. Tabs in the Incognito mode and Group switcher are also tweaked with the addition of a separate container with a squircle button.
Some components on Samsung phones differ from Google Pixels, probably due to a staged rollout. You may notice even more differences if you’ve a color palette applied, so don’t consider it a bug or deficiency.
Get Chrome 141 to experience the complete Material 3 Expressive design.
Recently, Google has updated the Messages app with a full Material 3 Expressive design; head over here to see what changed.
Deal | The Apple MacBook Air 13 with the M4 SoC, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage has now dropped to a record-low price on Amazon. Released earlier this year, the MacBook Air 13 M4 brings a pretty "Sky Blue" colorway, excellent performance, quiet operation, and long battery life.
The G70 Complete is the new cordless vacuum cleaner from Mova. The vacuum cleaner comes with 225 AW suction power, a six-segment telescopic handle, a built-in 0.5-liter dust container, and up to 90 minutes of runtime. Plus, it has an OLED display and switchable nozzles for multipurpose cleaning.
A new Baseus power bank has been introduced in China, which comes with a large 20,000mAh capacity and support for 100W fast charging. The portable charger also features two built-in cables and has an affordable Chinese launch price.
Retroid has announced the Pocket 6 as its latest Android gaming handheld. Touted as the most powerful Retroid handheld, it has a 120Hz display, a new processor, and a large battery, all of which are housed in a redesigned shell.
The upcoming Vivo S50 series looks set to blend flagship power with sleek mid-range design. New leaks reveal a massive camera upgrade, MediaTek Dimensity 9400 performance, and a compact Pro Mini model that could rival other premium smartphones launching in November.
Xbox’s president of game content and studios, Matt Booty, told The New York Times that it is pursuing a multiplatform strategy and now views competitors as broader entertainment like TikTok and movies rather than rival consoles, as Halo: Campaign Evolved and other former exclusives head to PS5.
Amazon’s Help Me Decide AI is here to streamline product selection by analyzing user preferences, past purchases, and reviews to deliver tailored recommendations. Available in the Amazon Shopping app, it reduces time wasted researching the best products.
Nothing is set to unveil its next smartphone with the Phone (3a) Lite. As the name suggests, this will be a more affordable version of the midrange Nothing Phone (3a) and it will launch this Wednesday, October 29, at 1PM GMT.
Phone (3a) Lite. 29.10. 13.00 GMT.Light up the everyday. pic.twitter.com/VVNclQ6mEl— Nothing (@nothing) October 27, 2025
Nothing confirmed that the Phone (3a) Lite will be the brand’s first entry-level smartphone. It will feature Nothing's signature transparent design, and the short teaser video shows a single flashing LED light, which is likely part of the Glyph...
Apple’s iPad Pro will reportedly get much cooler in 2027. The high-end tablet will also be equipped with a new chip, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
The analyst notes that Apple will incorporate a vapor chamber in the next-gen iPad Pro models, which will debut in 2027. A vapor chamber should help the Pro tablets perform much better while being more efficient, especially when running resource-intensive tasks.
Gurman also states that the 2027 iPad Pro will come equipped with a new Apple M6 SoC. The chip will likely be manufactured on TSMC's 2nm process.
Notably, Apple...
Remember Sam Sung, the guy who became an internet legend for working at an Apple Store with a name like Samsung?
BusinessInsider recently reported the news that Sam Sung has decided to leave his infamous moniker behind. He’s now going by Sam Struan, who was working as a regular Apple Store specialist in Vancouver, Canada.
“I was at my other part-time job, and my phone wouldn’t stop ringing,” Struan said. “I thought someone had died. Then I saw a text saying I’d gone viral on Reddit.”
Imagine the chaos: people calling the Apple Store, asking if “Sam Sung” really worked there, reporters showing up, and the store pulling him off the sales floor to keep things under wraps.
“I’d just moved to Canada, early in my career, and I was terrified I’d get fired,” he admitted. “Looking back, firing me would’ve caused an even bigger PR mess for Apple.”
Struan, who previously worked at an Apple Store in Glasgow, Scotland, said the viral moment pushed him to rethink his identity. A year later, he left Apple and changed his name to Struan, inspired by a Scottish village.
“It wasn’t like I was famous for something cool like charity work or a big achievement,” he said. “It was just a dumb online joke.”
Struan once auctioned off his old Apple business card with the name Sam Sung for $2,500 and donated it all to charity. “It felt good to take something that was so stressful and turn it into something positive,” he said.
Image – Sam Struan’s old Apple business card | Via – BusinessInsider
The moment when Samsung officially unveils its first TriFold smartphone is just around the corner. Ahead of the big reveal, Korean sources expose the tentative launch date, venue, potential pricing, and market availability.
KoreaHerald reports that Samsung is set to launch its TriFold smartphone this week at APEC 2025. The summit will be held between October 31 and November 1. This year, South Korea is holding the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.
This week’s just slated for unveiling, as mass production and market debut are expected later this year. The initial production could be up to 200,000 units based on demand and sales response in the market.
Industry insiders expect the first TriFold from Samsung could be priced around 4 million won ($2,800) in South Korea.
Here’s what Korean sources revealed about the Samsung TriFold:
Launch – APEC 2025 (October 31 to November 1)
Venue – Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea
Price – 4 million won ($2,800)
Release – Later this year
We just reported a credible source’s input regarding the limited market availability of Samsung’s TriFold phone. The device, rumored to go official in the US, might miss out on its availability stateside given supply chain challenges.
Huawei was the first to commercialize this new foldable form factor. The company has recently launched its second tri-fold phone with improvements over the first model. Samsung is finally entering the segment this week.
While Huawei was the first, Samsung has made some major tweaks to the design infrastructure. The Galaxy TriFold is poised to have a durable build. The hinge has a different structure, and the screens come from Samsung Display.
Samsung India expects its Galaxy M-series of smartphones will hit the 60 million sales milestone by the end of 2025. Recently, the company’s India subsidiary’s top MX official has made notable remarks in an interview.
The smartphone industry doesn’t only run with flagship and foldable phones. Entry-level and mid-range phones play a vital role in overall sales. And this particular segment has the most intense competition and numerous brands.
Samsung, in the meantime, maintains its lead with offerings that stand out. The software longevity (6-year support) is unmatchable, and the addition of intelligent features extends the sales potential of its non-premium handsets.
Akshay S Rao, Director, MX Business, Samsung India, told HindustanTimes that the Galaxy M-series is crucial for the brand. This lineup helps the company maintain robust sales in the competitive segment of $150.
Akshay S Rao, Director, MX Business, Samsung India, said:
“By the end of 2025, we (Samsung) expect to cross a milestone of 60 million handsets sold.” He added, “Our goal is to deliver unique propositions across price points, ensuring that every buyer finds a compelling reason to choose Samsung.”
Back in 2019, Samsung introduced the Galaxy M series, which comprises entry-level to mid-range phones. The segment’s Galaxy M16 5G impressed the industry with its epic sales, and its successor has taken the charge.
Galaxy M17 5G
The official revealed that the Galaxy M16 was one of the best-sellers in the INR 10,000 – INR 15,000 segment and even went out of stock during the festive season. Samsung now expects an even better response from the Galaxy M17 5G.
The new smartphone comes with a camera equipped with OIS technology. It has more pro-grade features like Gorilla Glass protection, Super AMOLED screen with 1,100 nits brightness, and an IP rating for dust and water resistance.
Samsung also worked on the design to wipe out the bulky tag from its Galaxy M phones. The new Galaxy M17 5G is just 7.5mm thick, making it one of the slimmest phones in the price range of around INR 12,999.
Xbox’s president of game content and studios, Matt Booty, told The New York Times that it is pursuing a multiplatform strategy and now views competitors as broader entertainment like TikTok and movies rather than rival consoles, as Halo: Campaign Evolved and other former exclusives head to PS5.
Twitch CEO Dan Clancy publicly apologized on X for the company's handling of the situation, admitting the company had failed multiple times after his earlier comments describing the assault as a “challenge in today’s society” drew sharp criticism and renewed calls for stronger, proactive safety measures.
At the Halo World Championship 2025 Community Stage, Halo community director Brian Jarrard wore a PlayStation t‑shirt while announcing that Halo: Campaign Evolved, a complete Unreal Engine 5 remake of the 2001 Halo: Combat Evolved, will launch as a day‑one release on PlayStation 5 in 2026.
Shawn Layden, the former chairman of Sony Interactive Entertainment America, told The Ringer he views live-service titles as "a repetitive action engagement device," arguing that actual games require a story, a character, and a world rather than looped engagement mechanics designed to keep players hooked.
Ohio State University researchers have demonstrated the ability to read and write data to shiitake mushrooms using an Arduino UNO microcontroller board and a simple test circuit. Roadblocks to commercialization include the storage unit size and hungry moms.
Amazon’s Help Me Decide AI streamlines product selection by analyzing user preferences, past purchases, and reviews to deliver tailored recommendations. Available in the Amazon Shopping app, it reduces time wasted researching the best products.
Samsung Stores in Hongdae, Daechi, and Cheongdam will offer visitors the opportunity to experience the popular console game system, the Nintendo Switch 2, directly on its flagship OLED TV.
Visitors can enjoy the featured titles of Nintendo Switch 2, including the racing game “Mario Kart World” and the open-world action-adventure game “Donkey Kong Bananza,” in a vibrant way on the Samsung OLED TV.
In addition, the South Korean tech giant is also offering various benefits to customers who experience the Nintendo Switch 2 game on a Samsung OLED TV at the Hongdae, Daechi, and Cheongdam Samsung Stores.
Customers who upload a photo of their experience on their personal SNS and apply on the Samsung.com event page can receive up to 200,000 KRW worth of Shinsegae Department Store gift certificates when purchasing an OLED TV.
The first 1,000 applicants will also receive a Starbucks coffee coupon.
Source – Samsung Newsroom
The 2025 Samsung OLED is equipped with a variety of technologies, providing the ultimate gaming experience. It features “Glare-Free” technology, which reduces light reflections and glare to deliver deep blacks and vivid colors.
Additionally, the superb picture quality and accurate color reproduction performance certified by Pantone and unique to Samsung OLED express the 3D action elements of “Donkey Kong Bananza” with greater lifelike vibrancy.
Samsung OLED supports various gaming performance features, including:
AI Auto Game Mode: Optimizes game picture and sound settings using AI.
Game Bar: Allows for quick and easy changes to game settings.
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode): A feature for automatic low input lag.
Gaming Hub: A platform to enjoy multiple game contents.
Samsung’s OLED TV packs immersive sound solutions such as Dolby Atmos and Moving Sound+. These technologies make in-game scenes realistic, offering an engrossing experience as if the player has entered the game world.
2025 Samsung OLED TVs bring the Motion Turbo 165Hz feature. It allows for a maximum refresh rate of 165Hz, along with AMD’s FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA’s G-SYNC Compatible support, by reducing screen tearing.
Samsung’s 3rd Gen AI 4K Processor autonomously analyzes content quality to enhance video detail, dimensionality, and contrast. Besides, it offers optimal sound quality adjusted to the space, content, and volume for a 4K-level experience.
Samsung is expected to launch its most ambitious TriFold sometime in 2025, but the phone might skip the US. A veteran tech leaker has poured cold water on global availability for the first TriFold phone from Samsung.
Leaker EvanBlass revealed the countries in which the Samsung TriFold phone could launch, and it excludes the US. This input renders the previous rumors baseless, which claimed a potential US debut at the initial reveal.
The source expresses skepticism about the global rollout of Samsung’s debut trifold, limiting it to South Korea, the greater Chinese market (including Singapore and Taiwan), and possibly the UAE, despite contrary rumors.
It might be disappointing for the foldable enthusiasts, but Samsung is playing it safe. It would follow the OG Galaxy Fold strategy to bring the product to key Asian markets to experiment with the reliability and sales potential.
Over the past couple of weeks, various rumors have hinted at the potential launch countries of the TriFold smartphone. Beyond that, Samsung is rumored to introduce its new form-factor device at the APEC summit 2025.
Even though the US has become a solid market for Samsung’s foldable phones, the first TriFold may skip the launch stateside. Higher costs of the triple foldable display and supply chain challenges could be the key reasons.
Meanwhile, it’s also likely that the device will initially be available in select markets, with gradual expansion may take it to the United States. Well, it depends completely on the supply chain and what Samsung has planned.
Lamtto has introduced its latest DC22 dual-camera dash cam with 4G LTE connectivity for real-time, remote vehicle monitoring and GPS tracking. The interior is lit with four IR LEDs, and all footage can be stored in the cloud for review after accidents.
Xiaomi is now offering another monitor under its Redmi brand. The A24 is comparatively compact and is now available in an additional model variant with an ergonomic stand. The manufacturer also advertises an increased refresh rate of 144Hz.
Motorola has stepped up its launch discounts for its next ultra-thin smartphone. Now surpassing $650 across multiple launch deals, the offers coincide with Motorola revealing more details about the Edge 70 ahead of time as the same device also stops by a popular benchmarking platform before its official release.
Digital Foundry is one of the first sites to evaluate the PS5 power saver mode. Demon’s Souls and Days Gone Remastered accomplished more efficient performance, but forced different compromises. The new mode could preview how PS5 games will run on the rumored PS6 handheld.
Deal | The Google Pixel Watch 3 45mm (2024) is now available at its lowest price ever on Amazon, offering a $100 discount from its original MSRP. With a 2000-nit display, Android 10+ compatibility, Google TV control, and remote Nest Cam security feeds, it remains a solid choice despite being rated as impossible to repair.
This RTX Remix mod for GTA IV offers a remastered feel thanks to numerous graphical improvements. But you'll have to be patient if you want to play it, as no release date has been announced.
It’s been over a month since Samsung started the official One UI 8 rollout, and the delay list is growing, but very slowly. The company has operated a swift expansion, but some model still seems to be unlucky in rollout.
Samsung’s One UI 8 is based on Android 16, which is one of the fastest to show up after its predecessor. The rollout was pushed by Google’s advancement in bringing the Android 16 version around three months early.
One UI 7 took the longest time in Samsung’s history to go stable. One UI 8 did just the opposite, didn’t make users wait much. Even though the scope of changes isn’t vast, the timeline has returned to Samsung’s usual schedule.
Meanwhile, users of select Galaxy devices are facing a delay in availability as Samsung is pulling the latest firmware from its server. Notably, it’s happening even weeks after the day when the initial rollout was started for users.
Galaxy S22 series then followed the Special Edition foldable, and after putting the firmware briefly on hold, Samsung resumed the expansion.
Last week, the Galaxy S24 series in South Korea was spotted as the most recent victim; the availability hasn’t yet been reinstated, while users have already installed the build.
As spotted by firmware detective MohammedKhatri, Samsung apparently put Galaxy M53’s One UI 8 rollout in Korea, as of October 20, 2025. It’s quite disappointing for Global users who were waiting for their turn.
On October 21, Samsung hit the pause on the update’s rollout to the Galaxy S23 series.
As the expansion continues globally, we could see even more models hit by a sudden halt in the expansion.
Last week, Samsung resumed the update rollout to the Galaxy S23 and S24 series with the October 2025 patch.
In a move that combines high-performance smartphone specs with luxury automotive style, Xiaomi has introduced the Redmi K90 Pro Max Automobili Lamborghini Squadra Corse Champion Edition. This isn’t simply a colour-variant of their flagship device, since it carries bespoke design cues, premium packaging, and custom software touches that celebrate the partnership with Lamborghini’s racing arm. While the internal hardware mirrors the standard K90 Pro Max, this edition elevates the experience with exclusive materials, accessories and an aesthetic that speaks to both tech enthusiasts and motorsport fans alike.
Redmi K90 Pro Max Automobili Lamborghini Squadra Corse Champion Edition
Design: Luxury Meets Motorsport
The Champion Edition’s design is where the collaboration truly shines. On the rear panel, the typical Redmi branding is replaced by the bold Lamborghini logo alongside Y-shaped racing stripes, evoking the “Squadra Corse” track heritage. These bold stripes are housed on an elegant white back surface. The large camera island also sees subtle changes, with its shape and Redmi branded speaker unit. So you get a premium finish with the same flagship tier specs.
Software Features: Exclusive Customization
Beneath the surface, the Champion Edition brings more than just visual flair. The collaboration with Lamborghini is more than skin deep, as it brings software exclusives that further differentiate it from the standard Redmi K90 Pro Max. Users will find custom boot animations inspired by Lamborghini’s racing DNA, special charging sequences that play out as you plug in, themed icons, exclusive wallpapers and custom-built UI elements tailored to this edition.
This is a subtle but meaningful touch for buyers, elevating the overall appeal of the phone. The software enhancements build on the existing flagship platform of the K90 Pro Max and add a layer of exclusivity that complements the physical design.
Packaging & In-Box Content
The package for the Champion Edition upholds the premium promise. Buyers receive a specially designed retail box that echoes Lamborghini’s high-end branding. Inside the special retail box, users get the custom protective case and a custom charging adapter (which matches the design theme).
There is also a specially designed pin and a card that further highlights the collaboration, making the unboxing experience as much of a collectable moment as it is a purchase. The attention to detail extends to the accessories, which are designed to align with the phone’s thematic design rather than generic add-ons.
Final Thoughts
The Redmi K90 Pro Max Automobili Lamborghini Squadra Corse Champion Edition stands out because it blends flagship hardware with a genuinely unique bundle and design philosophy. While the internal specs, such as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, large battery and advanced camera system, are shared with the standard model, the luxury finish, bespoke accessories, and exclusive software make this version more than just a priced-up variant.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
The drone market is packed with high-end models from giants like DJI, but a new budget contender, named the AE60 Ultra, could be a more practical option for many. It packs 4K recording, optical zoom, and even a payload drop system — all for under $294.
Weighing 727 grams, the AE60 Ultra exceeds the 250-gram limit for unregistered flights in most regions. Still, its foldable frame (420 mm unfolded, 233 mm folded) strikes a good balance between portability and durability, clearly made for outdoor flying.
It packs two different cameras. A 4K UHD main sensor with a 110-degree field of view pairs with a 5x telephoto camera, both mounted on a 3-axis gimbal for steady, cinematic footage. The gimbal supports wide movement angles, keeping shots smooth even when the wind picks up.
As per the AliExpress listing, it packs a total capacity of 9800mAh, can fly for about 29 minutes on a single charge, and takes 6 hours to recharge. Its while 5G digital transmission allows control and video feed at ranges up to 12 km. GPS and 360° laser obstacle avoidance keep it stable, with extras like follow-me tracking, waypoint navigation, and auto return-to-home.
What really sets it apart is the payload-drop system, capable of carrying and releasing up to 800 grams — handy for hikers or light-duty delivery experiments. However, dropping items mid-flight may require local clearance under aviation rules.
The remote control is a standout too: a 7.2-inch Android-powered touchscreen, offering full camera control and FPV streaming without needing your phone. According to the listing, it takes about 3.5 hours to charge.
Mini PCs are on the rise again, thanks to their compact space-saving design and powerful hardware. Unlike the tiny systems from a few years ago, Mini PCs can now pack cutting edge hardware. But some also play around with the design and functionality, with the Chatreey EX1 Mini PC being a perfect example. This tiny computer looks like a Bluetooth speaker and works like a Bluetooth speaker too.
Mini PC & Bluetooth Speakers in One?
Chatreey EX1 Mini PC
We’ve seen PC makers be creative with case designs, but this one just takes things to the next level. The Chatreey EX1 Mini PC arrives with a chassis that is reminiscent of a typical cylindrical shaped wireless speaker, but the twist is that it actually houses audio components that basically have it double as a proper Bluetooth speaker.
The Chatreey EX1 houses 10W stereo speakers along with a mini subwoofer and a 24 bit DAC. In other words, the mini PC is a complete package since you have an integrated audio system. There is one catch though, despite how it looks, the Chatreey EX1 doesn’t have a battery pack, so you can only use it as a PC or speakers when you have a computer connected to a power source.
Talking about its specs, the EX1 is equipped with AMD’s Ryzen 7 8745HS CPU that also has a Radeon 780M integrated GPU. There are also 2x slots for SODIMM memory and 2x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD storage. You get a healthy selection of ports, including a USB 4 port, 3 USB-A ports, USB 2.0, HDMI 2.1 + DP 2.1, and an audio jack. Other notable features include Bluetooth 5 and WiFi 6. It starts at 479.97 US Dollars for the 32GB RAM + 1TB storage option.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Coros has officially launched the Apex 4 outdoor sports smartwatch series in China. The lineup is now available in two sizes: 42mm and 46mm. The 42mm variant is priced at 2,699 yuan, while the 46mm version costs 2,969 yuan. In global markets, the watches are priced at $429 and $479, respectively.
Coros Apex 4 Specifications
The Apex 4 features a rugged build that targets athletes, hikers, and climbers. Coros has equipped both versions with a Grade 5 titanium alloy bezel and sapphire glass protection. The display uses a third-generation memory-in-pixel (MIP) panel, optimized for outdoor visibility. The 42mm version includes a 1.2-inch display with a 240×240 resolution and weighs 56g with the silicone strap. The 46mm model features a 1.3-inch display with a 260×260 resolution and weighs 64g.
The smartwatch supports dual-frequency positioning (L1+L5) and connects to GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, and QZSS satellite systems. This setup helps deliver accurate tracking even in dense forests or mountainous areas. Coros has added a high-precision barometer, heart rate sensor, SpO₂ sensor, gyroscope, compass, and thermometer. It also supports offline topographic, satellite, and street maps with full touchscreen control.
Coros claims the 46mm model can last up to 65 hours in GPS mode, 41 hours in dual-frequency high-precision mode, and 24 days with daily use. The 42mm version offers 41 hours in standard GPS, 26 hours in dual-frequency, and up to 15 days of daily operation. Both watches charge fully in under two hours and support Bluetooth connectivity for syncing data and playing music. The watch includes 32GB of storage.
The Apex 4 lineup supports more than 20 activity modes, covering disciplines like trail running, cycling, swimming, and mountaineering. It features advanced tools such as EvoLab performance analytics, altitude acclimation tracking, 3D climbing recording, checkpoint marking, and turn-by-turn navigation. The watch can also control action cameras from GoPro, DJI, and Insta360 directly from its interface.
In related news, Amazfit has recently introduced the T-Rex 3 Pro smartwatch, featuring a 44mm AMOLED display and 10ATM water resistance.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Oppo’s Find X9 series is heading to Europe after its launch in China, with new leaks revealing prices and battery details ahead of the October 28 global debut in Barcelona. The brand’s latest flagships promise flagship-grade cameras, massive batteries, and competitive pricing against Samsung and Google.
According to YTechB, the standard Find X9 will be priced at €999, while the Find X9 Pro will land at €1,299, both offering 12GB RAM and 512GB storage. The European models will feature more subtle finishes — Titanium Charcoal and Grey for the X9, and Space Black, Silk White, and Titanium Charcoal for the Pro — dropping the red option sold in China.
Regulatory filings on the EU Energy Labelling (EPREL) database confirm that the global versions retain the same massive batteries seen in China. The Find X9 packs a 7,025mAh silicon-carbon cell with 80W wired and 50W wireless charging, while the Find X9 Pro upgrades to 7,500mAh and 90W wired speeds. Oppo claims up to 69 hours and 80 hours of mixed use respectively — far beyond most rivals.
Both phones run on MediaTek’s 3nm Dimensity 9500 chip with Android 16 and ColorOS 16, bringing up to 32% faster single-core performance over last year’s lineup. The X9 sports a 6.59-inch 120Hz AMOLED, while the Pro uses a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED peaking at 3,600 nits of brightness.
The Find X9 Pro leads with a 50MP Sony LYT-828 main, 50MP ultrawide, and a 200MP 3x periscope telephoto, alongside a 50MP selfie. The standard X9 swaps the periscope for a 50MP telephoto. For those interested, here’s a telephoto camera comparison between the Find X9 Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra.
With IP69 protection, Hasselblad-tuned cameras, and a return to the EU market, Oppo’s Find X9 series looks ready to take on the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 10 Pro head-on when it lands later this month.
Oppo recently launched the Find X9 Pro in China and is set to bring it to global markets on October 28. One of the highlights of this phone — at least in terms of numbers — is its 200MP 3x periscope telephoto camera. The module uses Samsung’s ISOCELL HP5 sensor, which measures 1/1.56″ in size.
In comparison, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra still relies on a 10MP sensor for its 3x telephoto camera, measuring just 1/3.52″. The upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra is also rumored to retain most of the same camera hardware as its predecessor. Ice Universe even claimed a downgrade for the 3x telephoto — from 1/3.52″ on the current flagship to 1/3.94″ on the upcoming model, most likely the one used on the base S25. So, it’s worth checking out how the S25 Ultra fares against its Chinese rival — this time, the Find X9 Pro.
Well-known tipster Ice Universe recently posted a side-by-side comparison of 3x telephoto samples from the two phones, showing how those specs translate into real-world results.
At first glance, the images don’t look dramatically different — except for the variation in bokeh. But upon closer inspection, there’s a clear, night-and-day difference in detail — which is exactly the point of having a telephoto camera in the first place. The textures on the leaf and the insect’s body are almost unrecognizable in the S Ultra’s sample.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (left), Oppo Find X9 Pro (right)
The results stand in stark contrast to Samsung’s own claims about the imaging prowess of its flagships. “Samsung has always been one step ahead, pushing mobile photography to new heights and ushering in a new era of Galaxy camera technology,” the company noted in its newsroom. It will be interesting to see how much the S26 Ultra can close the gap when it goes up against the next wave of Chinese ultra-flagships — including the Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra — which rely on both cutting-edge hardware and smarter image processing.
Xiaomi has launched the Redmi Gaming Monitor G34WQ (2026) in China. The new model was unveiled last month and is now available for purchase on JD.com with a retail price of 1,399 yuan ($196).
Redmi Gaming Monitor G34WQ 2026 Specifications
The monitor features a 34-inch curved ultrawide display with a 3440×1440 resolution and a 180Hz refresh rate. It adopts a 21:9 aspect ratio, which provides 30% more horizontal screen space than traditional 16:9 displays.
Xiaomi uses a 1500R curvature to match the natural field of view, aiming to create a more immersive experience for gamers and multitaskers. The display uses a VA panel with a 3500:1 contrast ratio and a typical brightness of 400 nits.
Redmi G34WQ supports AMD FreeSync Premium, which synchronizes the display refresh rate with the GPU to prevent screen tearing. It also achieves a 1ms GTG response time, which helps reduce motion blur during fast-paced gaming sessions.
In terms of color reproduction, the display supports 10-bit color (8-bit + FRC) and covers 95% of the DCI-P3 color gamut along with 100% sRGB. Xiaomi claims a factory-calibrated ΔE<2 color accuracy, making the monitor suitable for light creative tasks in addition to gaming. The monitor also meets VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification.
Xiaomi has included TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification and its own eye care technology to reduce eye strain. The panel supports DC dimming to lower flicker and improve comfort during long hours of use.
The stand supports tilt, lift, and swivel adjustments. The monitor also supports 100×100mm VESA wall mounting. For connectivity, it includes two HDMI 2.0 ports and two DisplayPort 1.4 ports.
The design uses a narrow bezel on three sides for a more immersive look. Xiaomi also includes RGB ambient lighting on the rear and a joystick controller for quick on-screen menu adjustments. The monitor consumes up to 65W of power and comes with a 3-year warranty in China.
Vivo will launch the X300 and X300 Pro globally on October 30 after introducing them earlier this month in China. Both smartphones are powered by the new MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor, marking the company’s first use of this chipset.
Vivo X300 Pro Mist BlueVivo X300 Pro Cloud WhiteVivo X300 Pro Phantom BlackVivo X300 Pro Dune Brown
While Vivo has not confirmed full global release details, tipster Paras Guglani has shared information on color and storage variants ahead of launch. According to his post on X, the standard Vivo X300 will be available in Halo Pink, Iris Purple, Mist Blue, and Phantom Black. Global variants will come with up to 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. The 1 TB model sold in China will not be offered internationally.
The Vivo X300 Pro will come in four finishes too: Mist Blue, Phantom Black, Cloud White, and Dune Brown. Like the X300, the Pro version will feature up to 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage.
The tipster has also revealed that the these phones will be available in different colors across regions. In Australia, the X300 Pro will only be available in Phantom Black and Dune Brown only, whereas, the X300 will get an exclusive Red color variant.
Vivo X300 series features
The Chinese Vivo X300 model features a 6.31-inch BOE Q10 Plus LTPO AMOLED display with ultra-thin 1.05mm bezels and TÜV-certified eye protection. It houses a 200MP Zeiss Super Main Camera (Samsung ISOCELL HPB), a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP Zeiss APO telephoto lens for 3x optical zoom. On the front, there’s a 50MP autofocus selfie camera tuned for Zeiss Natural Color. Backed by the V3+ NPU, the device supports 4K 60FPS portrait video, motion tracking, and “Zero-Additive” portraits. Despite its slim 7.95mm frame and 190g weight, it packs a robust 6,040mAh Blue Ocean battery with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage up to 1TB.
The X300 Pro offers several upgrades, including a larger 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 1–120Hz refresh rate and 1,260 × 2,800 resolution. It’s equipped with a 50MP Sony LYT-828 main sensor, a 200MP telephoto lens, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP front camera. The phone carries a 6,510mAh battery with 90W wired and 40W wireless charging, measuring 7.99mm thick and weighing 226g.
You’re probably here to figure out which brand makes the best smartphone cameras. It’s an easy call if you’re in the West. It’s either Apple or Samsung. Their latest flagships are often considered the gold standard.
But if you’re willing to look beyond the usual two, there’s a whole world of brands pushing smartphone photography to new heights. Vivo, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Honor are all building cameras that don’t just rival Apple and Samsung; in some cases, they outperform them.
Many of these brands now even offer dedicated photography kits with detachable lenses and pro-grade zoom options that let you capture crisp shots at 30x or more. In short, the best smartphone cameras aren’t just coming from the brands you already know, and it’s time to give credit where it’s due.
What actually makes a “best” smartphone camera?
Before diving in, let’s clear up what “the best camera” actually means. It’s not just about megapixels or how big the lens looks on the back. Great smartphone photography comes from a balance of hardware and software, and the image signal processor (ISP) inside the chip plays just as big a role as the camera sensor itself.
Here’s what I look for in a camera phone:
A dedicated telephoto lens for crisp portrait shots and lossless zoom.
A large main sensor because size matters when it comes to low-light performance.
Optical image stabilization (OIS) to keep handheld shots sharp and videos smooth.
Smart computational photography is the software magic that fine-tunes color, detail, and dynamic range.
Of course, that’s not the full checklist. But it’s enough for me to know whether a phone is worth considering before digging into the finer details.
Vivo
Vivo has quietly upped its camera game in a way that deserves attention. The recent X300 series, for example, shows that the company isn’t simply following others; they are doing it in their own way.
The new X300 and X300 Pro use a triple-camera setup with standout specs. The base X300 packs a 200 MP main camera (Samsung HPB sensor) paired with a 50 MP telephoto and 50 MP ultrawide.
Vivo X300 Pro telephoto converter
The X300 Pro ups the game with a 50 MP Sony LYT-828 sensor for the main camera and a 200 MP 1/1.4″ Samsung HPB telephoto sensor. They also bundle Zeiss optics and coatings to reduce flare and boost clarity.
But it doesn’t end there. Both the X300 phone supports a dedicated telephoto extender, a 2.35x lens that sits on top of the existing telephoto and increases the focal length from 80mm to 200mm. Vivo’s X-series is also popular among users for the range of image filters it comes with.
Oppo
Oppo’s approach is also very interesting for camera-first buyers. Their recently launched Oppo Find X9 Pro features a 200 MP Samsung HP5 telephoto sensor (70 mm equivalent) with 3x optical zoom and four-axis OIS.
Moreover, it uses a Danxia Color Reproduction Lens across all imaging modules to improve color accuracy. Oppo has also introduced a Hasselblad-branded photography kit accessory for this series that includes a telephoto extender, just like Vivo.
After Vivo, Oppo is another brand that is making a strong push into “camera system” territory. However, as with many niche leaders, Oppo Find X series phones aren’t available as widely as, say, Apple or Samsung.
Xiaomi
Then there’s Xiaomi, which has made a name for itself with camera-centric flagships. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra, in particular, has earned praise for its photography hardware: a massive 1-inch main sensor, a 200MP periscope telephoto lens, a 50MP telephoto, and a 50MP ultrawide lens.
The 50MP telephoto is a floating lens, a 70mm-equivalent portrait lens that can also handle macro shots. This “floating” design allows for a minimum focusing distance of just 10cm, enabling detailed macro photography with a natural background blur, without relying heavily on software-generated bokeh.
On top of that, the 15 Ultra also comes with a dedicated photography kit with a telephoto extender in it. In fact, it was Xiaomi that really started the trend of camera-focused accessories for smartphones with the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
Apple
When you buy an iPhone, you’re buying into a photography platform that is consistent, mature, and globally supported. The iPhones may not always lead with the most exotic sensors or sizes or biggest zooms, but they deliver reliable, predictable results across lighting conditions and tend to age well in terms of software support.
iPhone 17 Pro
Because of that reliability and availability (in nearly every market), Apple is a safe choice for users around the world.
That said, we have to point out that innovation in the telephoto/zoom space has been slower for Apple compared to some rivals. If you prioritize extreme zoom or specialized photography accessories, Apple may lag a bit behind the more photography-centric brands.
Samsung
Samsung similarly has the global reach and polish to make it a go-to for camera-focused buyers. Their sensors and optics are strong, and the ecosystem (accessories, service) is robust as well.
However, third-party tests suggest Samsung’s camera ranking is not always at the top. For example, DxOMark’s aggregated ranking places Samsung’s recent flagship at 21st position among top camera phones.
What that indicates is that Samsung is still a good choice, but it may no longer be the uncontested “best” in all categories when other brands are clearly pushing harder.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
The Moto X70 Air is scheduled to debut on Oct. 31 in China. Ahead of the launch, the phone is now available for pre-orders, revealing the variants and pricing of the device. For those who don’t know, the X70 Air is said to be a rebranded version of the Motorola Edge 70, which is slated for a global debut on Nov. 5. Here’s a look at the variants, price, and specifications of the X70 Air.
Moto X70 Air variants, price
Mtoto X70 Air
The Moto X70 Air is now available for pre-orders on platforms such as Lenovo Mall and JD.com. The smartphone comes in two configurations: 12GB+256GB priced at 2,599 Yuan (~$365), and 12GB+512GB priced at 2,899 Yuan (~$410). Buyers can choose from Gadget Grey, Lily Pad, and Bronze Green color options, all of which are Pantone-validated to ensure accurate colour representation.
Moto X70 Air specifications
The Moto X70 Air features a 6.7-inch pOLED display with a 1.5K (1,220 x 2,712 pixels) resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 4,500 nits peak brightness. The Pantone-certified panel offers SGS eye-care protection and an in-display fingerprint sensor for seamless unlocking.
The X70 Air runs on Android 16 and is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, coupled with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. To handle heat efficiently, it includes a 3D vapour chamber. The handset is backed by a 4,800mAh battery supporting 68W wired and 15W wireless charging.
On the camera front, it features a 50-megapixel Samsung S5KGNJ main sensor, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 50-megapixel front camera for selfies. Additional highlights include 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, OTG, and USB Type-C support.
The X70 Air is also IP68 and IP69 certified for water and dust resistance. Finally, as it is an ultra-thin phone, it measures 5.99mm in thickness and weigh around 159 grams.
As far as the Motorola Edge 70 is concerned, it is expected to cost between 710 euros and 810 euros in Europe.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
In 2025, you don’t need to shell out flagship-level cash for a phone that can shoot beautiful photos or record crisp 4K video. The sub-₹30,000 segment in India has exploded with options that bring optical image stabilization, telephoto zoom, high-resolution sensors, and even AI photography tools into the mainstream.
Whether you shoot for Instagram, vlog on the move, or just want reliable photos in every light, here are the best camera phones under ₹30,000 that punch way above their price tag.
Vivo V60e
Vivo V60e comes with a 200MP main camera featuring Samsung’s HP9 sensor and optical image stabilization. The rear setup also includes an 8MP ultra-wide camera, while the front houses a 50MP autofocus camera. The phone supports Aura Light and introduces India’s first AI Festival Portrait mode, which enhances low-light portraits.
The V60e features a 6.77-inch FHD+ curved AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1900 nits peak brightness. It runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 Turbo chipset and ships with Android 15 and Funtouch OS 15. Vivo promises three major OS updates and five years of security support.
Price: ₹29,999 for 8GB + 128GB
Motorola Edge 60 Pro
Motorola Edge 60 Pro comes with a triple camera system that includes a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide sensor with autofocus and macro support, and a 10MP 3x telephoto camera. The phone also offers a 50MP front camera and supports 4K video recording.
The Edge 60 Pro features a 6.7-inch 1.5K pOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of up to 4500 nits. It runs Android 15 out of the box with Motorola’s AI tools and four years of security updates. The device uses the Dimensity 8350 Extreme SoC and includes MIL-STD-810H durability, IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance, and 90W fast charging.
Price: ₹29,999 for 8GB + 256GB
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro
Nothing has introduced the Phone (3a) Pro as its most affordable model with a 3x periscope telephoto camera. The rear setup also includes a 50MP main camera and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. The 50MP periscope lens offers up to 6x in-sensor zoom and 60x digital zoom. On the front, the phone includes a 50MP camera with 4K video support.
The Phone (3a) Pro features a 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3000 nits peak brightness. It runs on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 SoC and includes Nothing OS 3.1 based on Android 15. The phone supports 50W PD charging and includes the brand’s Glyph interface and Essential Key for AI-powered productivity features.
Price: ₹29,999 for 8GB + 128GB
Vivo T4 Pro
Vivo T4 Pro sports a dual 50MP rear camera system. It includes a main Sony IMX882 sensor with OIS and a 50MP 3x periscope telephoto camera with OIS. There is also a 2MP depth sensor and a 32MP front camera that supports 4K video recording.
The T4 Pro uses the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 SoC and features a 6.77-inch curved AMOLED display with up to 5000 nits brightness and 120Hz refresh rate. The phone runs Android 15 and includes Funtouch OS 15. It offers four major Android updates and six years of security patches. The 6500mAh battery supports 90W fast charging.
Price: ₹27,999 for 8GB + 128GB
Realme 15 Pro 5G
Realme 15 Pro 5G comes with a dual 50MP rear camera setup. The main camera uses the Sony IMX896 sensor with OIS, and the ultra-wide lens features the OV50D sensor. The phone also includes a 50MP front camera, and all three support 4K video recording at up to 60fps.
The 15 Pro features a 6.8-inch 1.5K 144Hz AMOLED display with up to 6500 nits peak brightness. It runs Android 15 with realme UI 6.0 and uses the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor. The phone includes a 7000mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC charging and ships with Edit Genie voice-based editing features.
Price: ₹28,999 for 8GB + 128GB
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo have launched their flagship phones in China and are now gearing up to launch them in other markets. In the coming months, these brands are expected to shift their focus to “Ultra”-branded flagships, which are expected to pack more premium specs along with top-notch cameras. In a new leak, tipster Smart Pikachu shared key details about the Oppo Find X9 Ultra.
Oppo Find X9 Ultra key details tipped
Oppo Find X9 Ultra’s key details tipped
According to the tipster, the Find X9 Ultra will have the largest battery compared to other Ultra phones. The exact battery size is not known yet, but Oppo has already said that “no 7,000mAh, no flagship,” meaning the X9 Ultra could pack at least a 7,000mAh battery.
To recall, the Find X8 Pro and X8 Ultra pack 5,910mAh and 6,100mAh batteries, respectively. It remains to be seen whether the Find X9 Ultra will arrive with a larger battery than the Find X9 Pro, which houses a 7,500mAh unit. Whatever the size may be, it could be larger than what will be seen on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra.
At Find X9 series launch, Oppo said, “In 2025, no 7000, no flagship”
The tipster claimed that both periscope cameras of the Find X9 Ultra have been upgraded with larger sensors. He added that photography across macro, portrait, and zoom modes has been improved to the next level. As far as launch is concerned, reports have revealed the X9 Ultra may with Find X9s in Q2 2026.
Another important detail the tipster revealed is that Oppo is working on an ultra-thin phone. While the exact moniker is not known yet, it is unclear whether it will be a part of the Find or Reno series. Nevertheless, the Oppo Find Air sounds like a cool name. The same tipster recently revealed that Xiaomi is working on the alleged Xiaomi 17 Air. Readers can visit this post to know its early details.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Deal | 911 Operator is now free to keep on Steam for a limited time, dropping from $14.99 to $0 on Steam. Players have to handle real-life emergency calls and dispatch units across real city maps. Deal ends October 29.
Studios are increasingly hesitant to embrace platform exclusives. The No Rest for the Wicked director shunned Xbox exclusivity even before Microsoft changed its philosophy. Companies are struggling with higher development costs, making the PS5 and Switch too lucrative to ignore.
ByteDance is working on a new global gaming platform called GameTop — designed to deliver a mix of games, social features, and creative tools for players outside China. The move follows a major shift in the company’s gaming strategy, with a focus on smarter publishing and user-driven content.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is pushing toward integrating ads into Apple Maps as early as next year. Functioning similarly to advertisements in App Store queries, these ads would likely allow companies to pay to more prominently feature their locations in Apple Maps searches.
The Apple iPad Pro is arguably becoming a more interesting laptop alternative every year, as Apple increases performance and improves the software in terms of multitasking and file management. According to latest rumors, the next generation iPad Pro M6 inherits an interesting feature from the Apple iPhone 17 Pro.
GPD offers two Strix Halo processor options for the Win 5, and among the two, the one with the Ryzen AI Max 385 is cheaper. This slightly affordable config of the gaming handheld held up relatively well in early gaming tests.
After four weeks at the top, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max was finally dethroned as the most popular phone in our database. The Chinese maker won't be too sad about it, though, as it's replaced at the top by the newly announced Redmi K90 Pro Max.
The third spot went to the Samsung Galaxy A56, which began another slow climb up the ranks, followed by the Galaxy S25 Ultra in fourth.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max retained its fifth position as the Oppo Find X9 Pro climbed to sixth. With the global launch expected next week, Oppo's new flagship may well find itself even higher up come the end of week 44....
The winners of the 2025 Dog Photography Awards have been revealed and Belinda Richards from Melbourne, Australia, has been crowned Dog Photographer of the Year.
Apple is beta testing a framework that would allow developers to include individual app data in migrations from iOS to Android — simplifying the switch.
The Moto X70 Air, which will launch in the global market as the Moto Edge 70, is now available to pre-order in China. This iPhone Air competitor starts at CNY 2,599, about $364 in the Chinese market.
Back in our day, phones used to come with chargers – now you’re lucky if you get a cable. The good news is that USB-C and USB charging standards have done away with the compatibility issue of the past (well, mostly), so a few good chargers are all you need.
That means that you have to pick the chargers yourself, though. Here are the ones we use. And yes, you do need multiple – for your home, maybe for work and your car, maybe for travel. We have separated them into groups based on use-case.
Table of Contents:
Wall chargers
Laptop chargers
Car chargers
Travel...
Samsung is recreating its Galaxy S26 series, following the Edge’s departure. We’ve heard for months about the killing of the Base and Plus models and the joining of a new Pro and Edge. With Samsung rethinking the Galaxy S26 lineup, fans are looking forward to seeing a charging speed boost in the vanilla model.
It turns out that Samsung may launch its so-called Galaxy S26 Pro without a Pro tag. Rumors revealed a disappointing 25W charging speed, and Samsung should take it to 45W on the Galaxy S26 smartphone.
Galaxy S26 with 45W charging
Faster charging speed on the Galaxy S26 is an urgent requirement. Samsung can’t pass on its 2026 flagship smartphone with just 25W charging. It becomes a must after 45W support on various unexpected devices.
Over the past couple of months, Samsung has launched some mid-range phones with 45W charging speed. It even offered the same treatment to the Galaxy S25 FE, getting a Plus-like large battery and 45W fast charging.
Galaxy S25 has rendered the most odd version among all these phones. The flagship costs a huge $800 and feels outdated due to its battery capacity and charging speed.
The Galaxy S26 could come with a 4,300mAh battery, while the charging speed is yet to be known. Previous rumors hinted at 25W, but it should be replaced with 45W speed to match the Plus model, and the Fan Edition too.
Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Galaxy S26 Ultra could support 60W charging speed, helping the battery to charge from 0 to 80% in roughly 30 minutes. With the same size of battery, the charging upgrade will make a practical impact on user experience.
Samsung has reportedly delayed the Galaxy S26 series launch to March 2026. The late development of Galaxy S26 Plus appears to be the main reason, but the company might have been securing additional time for its Exynos.
The Redmi K Pad and Xiaomi Pad Mini are more powerful than many of Xiaomi's larger tablets, despite their comparatively small dimensions. Now, a popular leaker has outlined Xiaomi's plans for its next addition to its compact yet high-end tablet segment.
As the planet brightens under city lights and screens, moonlight’s ancient rhythm is fading. Scientists warn that artificial light is disrupting the lunar clock shared by humans, corals, and other species; reshaping sleep, reproduction, and migration across the natural world.
Xiaomi has a new monitor on offer, the Redmi A27Q 2026, which now available as a new variant with a USB-C port, allowing you to use a laptop with just a single cable connection. The monitor supports 90 watts of power output.
International customers can now purchase the Redmi K90 at relatively affordable prices. However, availability is currently only available through direct import, which comes with specific restrictions.
The AE60 Ultra is a new and relatively inexpensive drone that comes with two lenses and a touchscreen controller. The model may offer added value in more unusual applications, but there are certain legal aspects to consider.
The greatly increased pace of SpaceX satellite launches in 2025, coupled with software updates to improve beam formation and terrestrial station performance, have now born fruit. The Starlink network speeds have greatly increased this year.
It’s been four years since Nothing launched its Ear (1) and the London-based brand is now an established player in the TWS market. Enter the Nothing Ear (3) – its latest flagship wireless earbuds with the now recognizable transparent look and some key improvements.
While Nothing's naming scheme hasn't always been the most consistent, its earbuds have offered impressive hardware paired with a polished software experience. Ear (3) comes in with a more premium build, a dedicated microphone in the case and claims of improved sound output and superior noise cancellation.
Nothing...
Samsung and RM of BTS have collaborated to release a promotional video for Art TV. The campaign has commenced to coincide with Art Basel Paris 2025.
The promotional video from Samsung and BTS RM aims to capture how artworks, typically hung in museums, permeate our everyday living spaces through Samsung Art TV.
Exclusively available on Samsung Art TV models, the Art Store is an art subscription service that offers over 4,000 artworks from global museums and galleries in 4K resolution.
Three new artworks
RM of BTS introduced artworks that evoke the tranquility and poetic mood of an autumn landscape in his short film. The artworks include Keith Haring’s “Dancing Dog,” Lee Shinja’s “Spirit of Mountain,” and Natasha Durley’s “Super Moon.”
“Art has always been a way for me to reflect, to connect, and to find meaning in everyday moments,” said RM. “It’s exciting that the artworks that inspire me can now be enjoyed by anyone, right at home. With Samsung Art TV, I can bring a world of creativity into my space—and I hope everyone will be inspired to explore art in theirs, too.”
Source – Samsung
Samsung also revealed the Art TVs used by RM in the short clip. The models are the 2025 The Frame Pro (Model: LSF03) and the Neo QLED 8K (Model: QNF900). These models bring artworks to life with vibrant picture quality.
The Frame Pro features a Matte Display that minimizes glare to reproduce the texture of the artwork. The Neo QLED 8K delivers exceptional color, contrast, and depth, enabling the vivid capture of brushstrokes and light.
Samsung, once again, has proven its profound presence in the homes of Australians. The company has secured twenty-two 2025 Finder Customer Satisfaction award wins, which include various striking titles.
On October 26, Samsung announced it has become Australia’s ‘Most Loved Whitegoods Brand’ at the 2025 Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards. The company hasn’t just seized the top award, but also scored 21 additional awards across categories.
In achieving the ‘winning’ honours, Samsung secured the highest scores against more than 20 competing brands, as rated by Australians:
Most Loved:
Whitegoods – Winner
Washing Machine – Winner
French Door Fridge – Winner
Top Load Washing Machine – Winner
Front Load Washing Machine – Winner
Top Mount Fridge – Winner
Microwave – Winner
Fridge – Highly Commended
Top Value:
Stacked Washer Dryer – Winner
Top Mount Fridge – Winner
Top Load Washing Machine – Winner
Bottom Mount Fridge – Highly Commended
French Door Fridge – Highly Commended
Most Reliable:
Washing Machine – Winner
Top Load Washing Machine – Winner
Front Load Washing Machine – Winner
Bottom Mount Fridge – Winner
Top Mount Fridge – Winner
Microwave – Highly Commended
Top Performance:
Washing Machine – Winner
Top Load Washing Machine – Winner
Top Mount Fridge – Winner
Bottom Mount Fridge – Winner
Front Load Washing Machine – Highly Commended
French Door Fridge – Highly Commended
Most Recommended Brand:
Washing Machine – Winner
Top Load Washing Machine – Winner
Top Mount Fridge – Highly Commended
Bottom Mount Fridge – Highly Commended
Clothes Washer Dryer Combo – Highly Commended
Stacked Washer Dryer – Highly Commended
Heat Pump Dryer – Highly Commended
Easiest to use:
Microwave – Winner
Front Load Washing Machine – Highly Commended
Top Load Washing Machine – Highly Commended
The 2025 version of Finder’s Customer Satisfaction Awards has surveyed over 60,000 Australians. It reflects real-world experiences from thousands of Australians, giving shoppers a clear picture of the products that truly perform.
Rachel Carter, Head of Department- Home Appliances, Samsung Australia, said:
“Samsung is a consumer-centric business, drawing on a deep understanding of what consumers are looking for to build appliances that will drive long-term value and enable better living at home for years to come,” said Ms. Carter.
The greatly increased pace of SpaceX satellite launches in 2025, coupled with software updates to improve beam formation and terrestrial station performance, have now born fruit. The Starlink network speeds have greatly increased this year.
Deal | Green Man Gaming has added a new game bundle, called Super Rare Vibes Volume 1. It contains a total of six indie games playable on Steam Deck that are worth $98.17 in total. However, the entire bundle can be scored for just $10.
Xiaomi has now confirmed the imminent global rollout of HyperOS 3. The new Xiaomi 15T and Xiaomi 15T Pro lead the charge here, and will be followed shortly after by devices like the Xiaomi 15, Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and Poco F7 series.
GameStop has poked fun at decades of platform rivalry that allegedly started and ended with Halo becoming and then unbecoming a platform exclusive with a single post: 'The Console Wars are over.'
The iQOO 15 went official this week, and it's rocking a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC and a potent 7,000mAh battery. The 6.85-inch 144Hz gaming phone is out in China first, and it shattered the sales records, selling in just 30 minutes what its predecessor did in its first day.
Realme brought us the GT8 Pro and GT8. Both have camera systems tuned by imaging great, Ricoh, but the Pro has nicer cameras and a swappable camera island bezel design. The GT8 Pro has the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, while its sibling has last year's generation Snapdragon. Both phones are on sale in China, and we're eagerly...
Pokémon Legends: Z-A shifted 5.8 million copies in its first week after the October 16, 2025, launch across Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, with half of them selling on the latter console, placing it as the franchise’s fifth-best debut.
The Bone Conduction Headphones 2 from Xiaomi are now available via import. These headphones can be used while swimming and even track some data. They also come with built-in storage, which means that music playback is possible without a connected smartphone or tablet.
The Fire 5 Pro is a new smartphone that’s now available on Amazon. It’s supposed to be durable and is equipped with a very large battery. However, there are also certain limitations.
Dataminers on X have uncovered files including maps, UI strings, and event scripts suggesting Battlefield 6's unannounced battle royale "RedSec" may be built into the live build and could shadow-drop as early as next week, even as EA and DICE remain mum on the topic.
GDC executive director of innovation and growth Mark DeLoura publicly criticized Epic Games, Sony, and Unity for scaling back or skipping GDC 2025 altogether, saying their absence sends a message to independent developers that they "don’t care" about building community ties and new connections.
A few days ago, Honor unveiled the Magic8 and Magic8 Pro and earlier this week the pair of them went on sale in China. We have confirmation from Honor itself that the Magic8 series will also be available globally, though we don’t have the concrete details just yet. Would you buy the Magic8 or Magic8 Pro?
The two new models boast the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 – another shared upgrade is the new AI button. The 2025 models also have significantly larger batteries than their predecessors, even though both phones are smaller than their Magic7-series counterparts.
Honor Magic8 and...
A new Xiaomi wearable has turned up months online. Arriving shortly after the company released the Redmi Watch 6, the new wearable departs from Xiaomi's recent fitness trackers and smartwatches by adopting connectivity to improve device tracking and vehicle compatibility.
New information about the Vivo X300 and Vivo X300 Pro's global release has emerged ahead of time. Topping out at with less storage than Chinese counterparts, the pair are set to be available in multiple launch colours outside Vivo's home market too.
Many PlayStation fans wish their DualSense offered the same innovations on every platform. The PS5 controller doesn’t emit advanced haptics when paired wirelessly with PCs. However, the third-party DSX app has discovered a way to achieve these rumbling effects through Bluetooth.
Bethesda’s Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition arrives on November 10, 2025, on PC, PS4/PS5, and Xbox One/Series (with a reported Switch 2 port in 2026) and bundles the base game with all six DLCs, 150+ Creation Club add-ons in a singular package for users who have yet to play the title.
The vivo X300 series is off to a strong start – the two new models got mostly positive results in last week’s poll. There is still the question of the global launch time frame and pricing hanging over them – the official launch is set for the end of the month, so expect more details next week.
The vivo X300 Pro got the thumbs up from one third of voters. We are still working on a full review, but we have a hands-on review with both the X300 and X300 Pro, complete with plenty of camera samples, so you can check that out – around 14% of voters could be swayed in favor of the Pro if it gets...
Samsung is reportedly preparing for One UI 8.5, which could debut alongside the Galaxy S26 series early next year. However, recent reports suggest the company might be running late with the Galaxy S26 launch, possibly pushing the event beyond January 2026.
The delay appears to be connected to Samsung’s change in its phone lineup. Earlier rumors said the regular Galaxy S26 might be called “Pro” and a slim “Edge” model would replace the “Plus”.
Now, those plans are reportedly canceled. Samsung is going back to the familiar lineup – Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. The Plus model is back, while the Edge and Pro names are gone.
This could also affect One UI 8.5. Since the Galaxy S26 Plus development is running late, the release of One UI 8.5 Beta may also be delayed. If the Galaxy Unpacked event is postponed to late February or early March, users will also have to wait longer to get another major update.
Phones in picture – Galaxy S25 Ultra, Plus and vanilla
However, the One UI 8.5 Beta program might start in late November, which gives users an early look at new features. But if the phone launch is postponed, the beta could run for several months before the official release, which may feel long for eager users. Or Samsung might delay One UI 8.5 Beta Program.
Despite these delays, the changes could be beneficial. Samsung seems focused on improving hardware and software, with upgrades expected in performance and camera capabilities with the next series. Going back to a simple naming system also makes it easier for people to understand the lineup.
While fans might be disappointed by the delay, it could mean a more polished experience when new phones and software finally launch. Samsung has not confirmed any dates yet, so users will have to wait for official announcements.
The return of Galaxy S26 Plus and the lineup reshuffle may push back the One UI 8.5 beta, but it could result in better phones and a smoother software update for users in 2026. Stay tuned.
Samsung has pushed an Android 16-based One UI 8 update for the Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G on the Verizon network carrier in the US. This update gives users the latest Android experience with better design, smoother performance, and stronger privacy and security protection.
The new firmware versions are A156USQU7DYIB for the Galaxy A15 5G and X818USQU6DYJ1 for the Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G. This major update will soon expand to all models.
One UI 8 brings several new features and visual upgrades. A key highlight is Gemini Live, a smart AI assistant that helps you interact naturally with your phone. You can point your camera at something and ask Gemini what it is, or share your screen to get help without switching apps.
The update also adds wallpaper recommendations from your Gallery, suggesting photos that look great as wallpapers. The lock screen has been redesigned with stylish new clock layouts and fonts that adapt to your photos, especially ones with people or pets. You can also control your Galaxy Buds directly from the Settings app without needing the Galaxy Wearable app.
To get the update, go to Settings >> Software update >> Download and install. Make sure your device is charged and connected to Wi-Fi before starting. As this update is rolling out gradually for Verizon users, it may take a few days to appear on all devices.
Many Galaxy users enjoy using the SamsungHealth app together with their Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Watch to track workouts, listen to music, and stay active. However, some users with phones running One UI 7 (Android 15) have noticed a small issue.
When some Galaxy users start a workout using the Samsung Health app, the exercise guide voice plays at the same volume as their music. This can make the workout experience uncomfortable, as users can’t control the guide and music volume separately.
The problem happens when the Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Watch are both connected to a phone running One UI 7. During workouts, it can be frustrating when you want to keep your music high but prefer softer guide notifications.
Fortunately, Samsung has acknowledged the issue and suggested a few easy steps to fix or reduce the issue. You can do this by checking the app permissions, restarting the app, and updating your phone.
To fix the problem, long-press the Samsung Health app icon and tap the App info button. Go to Alarms and Reminders and make sure Allow Permissions is turned on. If the app’s Battery setting is set to No limit, you may not see this option. Then, return to the app info screen and tap Force stop. Finally, open the Samsung Health app again to restart it.
If the issue continues, try updating your phone to One UI 8 (Android 16), as newer updates often include performance and sound improvements. Go to Settings >> Software update >> Download and install.
After following these steps, your Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Watch, and Samsung Health app should work more smoothly. These solutions give you a better workout experience with balanced sound and clearer audio guidance.
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro 44 mm smartwatches are now available to order in countries worldwide. In some markets, they will ship immediately, while other customers can pre-order with deliveries scheduled for the near future. Offered in two color ways with titanium elements, these wearables are smaller than the existing 48 mm versions but share many of the same features.
Using data from ESA’s Swarm satellite constellation, scientists have discovered a growing weak spot in the Earth’s magnetic field. The weak spot is called the South Atlantic Anomaly as it is located over the South Atlantic. This data from Swarm is helping us understand more about the Earth’s complex magnetic field.
Anbernic has shared new photos of first dual-screen gaming handheld ahead of the device's global release. Priced at less than $100, the Anbernic RG DS appears to be about the same size as the Nintendo DSi XL and significantly larger than the original Nintendo DSi.
Bethesda’s Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition arrives on November 10, 2025, on PC, PS4/PS5, and Xbox One/Series (with a reported Switch 2 port in 2026) and bundles the base game with all six DLCs, 150+ Creation Club add-ons in a singular package for users who have yet to play the title.
Night and day, Notebookcheck tests the latest laptops of all stripes and colors. Allow us to present an overview of our test results from the last few months, revealing the best laptops in their respective classes. Spoiler alert: No, this time the best multimedia laptop for creative minds does not come from Apple.
Garmin is moving at a fast pace when it comes to issuing new updates for the Fenix E, Fenix 8, Tactix 8 and other associated smartwatches. Having delivered one beta earlier this week, the company has now moved on to Beta Version 20.14 with a fresh round of changes.
Next week, the official Oppo Find X9 launch will kick off in Europe, but leaked prices suggest comparatively high costs. Those who want the global version but are willing to compromise on some consumer protection rights in the EU can probably save money by importing the global model from other regions.
The Oppo Find X9 and Find X9 Pro, unveiled last week at an event in China, will make their international debut next week at an event in Barcelona, Spain, followed by a launch in India in November. We know the Find X9 duo's Chinese pricing, and a new report tells us how much these Find X9 phones will cost in Europe.
The Oppo Find X9's 12GB/512GB model will be priced at €999 (CNY8,270/INR102,000/$1,160), while the Find X9 Pro with the same amount of RAM and storage will cost €1,299 (CNY10,755/INR1,32,635/$1,510).
Oppo Find X9 and Find X9 Pro
The European models of the Oppo Find...
Google has made it easier to create presentations with its Gemini app. The Canvas tool in Gemini can now take a document or even a short text and turn it into a complete slide deck in just seconds. This is perfect for anyone who has stared at a blank Google Slides page, unsure where to start.
With this new feature, you can upload a report, research paper, or any text file, and Canvas will automatically make a presentation for you. The slides are already organized with sections, visuals, and design formatting.
You can then export the draft directly to Google Slides and make any final changes. This saves a lot of time, as you no longer need to copy text, design slides, or look for pictures yourself.
Image via Android Authority
The feature is currently being rolled out for both personal and Workspace accounts. Early reports show that Pro subscribers are getting access first, but it should be available to free users soon.
This builds on Canvas’s earlier feature, which helped users write and edit text with the help of Gemini’s AI. Now, it goes further by turning written work into slides that are ready to present.
This update is especially handy for students, teachers, and professionals who often need to make presentations. Instead of spending hours designing slides, you can rely on Gemini to create a first draft and then tweak it to your liking.
Google is working on a new feature to make multitasking on Android tablets much easier. Tablets already have features like a taskbar, split-screen mode, and improved drag-and-drop, but they still aren’t as powerful as PCs when it comes to using multiple apps at once.
The new feature could let you open any app in a floating bubble. Right now, bubbles only work with messaging apps. But with this update, you might be able to open apps, such as YouTube, Chrome, or Gmail, in small floating windows. This would make it easier to use several apps at the same time, even on smaller screens.
Recent updates in Android 2510 Canary show signs of this feature. The Pixel Launcher, which manages the home screen and taskbar, includes a new tutorial.
It explains that you can “drag an app to the bottom corners to make it float.” An animation shows an app being dragged from the taskbar to the bottom right corner, opening in a small bubble instead of split-screen.
Image via Samsung
This new drag gesture is simple and fits well with how other multitasking features work. Instead of tapping a button, you just drag the app. Since Android already lets you add any app to the taskbar, it seems likely that this bubble feature will work with all apps, not just messaging.
Google hasn’t officially confirmed the feature yet, but the tutorial suggests it is coming. It could arrive in Android 16’s third quarterly release (QPR3) next March. If this feature launches, it would make Android tablets much easier to use for multitasking.
The third installment of the Final Fantasy 7 remake series may be further along than gamers had anticipated. Director Naoki Hamaguchi provided another promising update on Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3. He also went into detail about how developers are optimizing the Switch 2 port.
The FusionDock Max 2 is a new Thunderbolt 5 docking station designed for Apple Silicon MacBooks. It offers 23 ports for serious productivity, including three Thunderbolt 5 and five USB-C ports, as well as native support for up to three high-resolution external displays.
The GamiBook 8 is a new laptop featuring a Ryzen 7 APU. It sports a relatively large IPS screen, a fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking and two full-fledged USB Type-C ports.