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Aug 23
The 18:9 Full Vision display is usually found in high-end models like the Galaxy S8 from Samsung or LG's Q6. (Source: Micromax)

Micromax announces the budget Canvas Infinity smartphone with 18:9 screen ratio

Even though the Canvas Infinity impresses with the 18:9 Full Vision display that is usually found in high-end models, the specs and the US$156 price recommend it as a mid-range smartphone. The model will only be available through Amazon India starting September 1st.
Tonino Lamborghini ALPHA ONE luxury phone hits the UK and UAE for almost US$2,500

Tonino Lamborghini ALPHA ONE hits the UK and UAE

This 5.5-inch Android handset with a (quite outdated) Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 under the hood hits select retail stores in the UK and UAE with a custom Italian leather accompanying phone case. The price tag reads US$2,450.
The SilverStone TOB03 is only 0.37-inch thick. (Source SilverStone)

SilverStone presents the 0.37-inch TOB03 ODD CD/DVD/BD/BDXL burner

The TOB03 is built in collaboration with Panasonic. It supports all read/write standards for CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays, except UHD Blu-ray. Prices are expected to vary between US$70 - 90.
Latest XPS 13 9360 1.0.7 BIOS update purportedly bricking systems

Latest XPS 13 9360 1.0.7 BIOS update purportedly bricking systems

In what could be another potential PR headache for Dell, the latest 1.0.7 BIOS update for the XPS 13 may be accidentally rolling back systems. It's recommended that XPS 13 owners do not install this latest update until Dell either reuploads a replacement or directly addresses users' complaints.
Acer Aspire 7 (Core i7, GTX 1060) Laptop Review

84% Acer Aspire 7 (Core i7, GTX 1060) Laptop Review

Budget gaming par excellence. Acer's latest 17-inch multimedia-gaming hybrid from the new Aspire 7 series comes equipped with a powerful GTX 1060, a fast quad-core, and an IPS display but is consequently optimized in regards to costs in all other aspects. From a technical point of view, the new notebook is very decent and Acer's cost cutting measures were made wisely... with one exception, though.
Intel Core i7-7700HQ | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (Laptop) | 17.3" | 2.9 kg
Rugged Asus VivoBook W202 launches with Windows 10 S (Source: Asus)

Rugged Asus VivoBook W202 launches with Windows 10 S

The inexpensive 11.6-inch laptop will include no touchscreen options or resolutions greater than 768p, but its spill-proof and drop-resistant design will make it ideal for classroom settings.
Lenovo Legion Y920-17IKB (i7-7820HK, GTX 1070) Laptop Review

86% Lenovo Legion Y920-17IKB (i7-7820HK, GTX 1070) Laptop Review

Black and red behemoth. Lenovo’s successor to the massive Y900 desktop replacement features a Kaby Lake CPU and a powerful GTX 1070. Much of the rest of the package remains the same—so are these updates enough to keep it relevant in such a competitive and selective market?
Intel Core i7-7820HK | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (Laptop) | 17.3" | 4.4 kg
Aug 22
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38 new external reviews +
Notebooksbilliger Blog: Lüfterloses Ultrabook mit QHD+ Display, ChinaMobileMag: Bluboo S1, Chip.de: Arbeitstier mit extra langem Atem, Notebooksbilliger Blog: Multimedia-Notebook mit Gaming-Ambitionen, Android Mag: Neffos X1 Max, Netzwelt: Wovon MacBook-Nutzer heimlich träumen, Area DVD: Zuverlässiger Allrounder für unter 250 Euro?, Chip.de: Convertible mit Kettengliedern, Curved: HMDs erstes Top-Smartphone, Tech Stage: Großes Come-back ohne Innovation, Android Pit: Elegantes Live-Streaming-Smartphone, Chip.de: Convertible mit Kettengliedern, Notebooksbilliger Blog: Business-Ultrabook mit 14 Zoll Touchdisplay, ChinaMobileMag: Elephone P8, Chinahandys.net: Oukitel K4000 Plus, ChinaMobileMag: Vernee Mars Pro, Tech Stage: LG Q6 schickes Smartphone mit FullVision-Display, Tech Stage: Motorola Moto E4, Android Pit: Identitätskrise Im Hause LG, Billiger-telefonieren.de: Günstige Alternative zum Huawei P10?, WinFuture: Endgültiges Gerät offenbart kleinere, nervige Macken, Android Mag: Samsung Galaxy J5, Android Mag: BQ Aquaris X Pro, hifitest.de: Googles next Topmodel, Chinahandys.net: Xiaomi Mi5X, Tech Stage: iPad-Mini-Konkurrent für 200 Euro, Curved: Motorola Moto E4 und Moto E4 Plus, Chinahandys.net: Huawei P10 Lite, Curved: Motorola Moto C Plus, Area DVD: 5,5″ Multimedia-Ass mit vielen Reserven?, PCtipp.ch: Asus VivoBook S, Android Pit: Der Primus Unter Den Problemkindern, Notebooksbilliger Blog: 15“ Gaming Notebook mit Full HD-Display für Einsteiger, Notebooksbilliger Blog: Gaming-Notebook im neuen Design und starker Hardware, MobiFlip: Kuscheliges GTX 1050 Ti-Monster, Notebooksbilliger Blog: 2-in-1-Tablet mit 10,1-Zoll-Display und LTE, Notebooksbilliger Blog: Gaming-Notebook mit Full HD-Display und schneller Hardware, Notebooksbilliger Blog: 2-in-1-Device mit QHD+ Display im 3:2-Format
Hacking your phone through the touchscreen? Yes, it can be done. (Image: Shattered Trust)

New research paper demonstrates smartphone security hole in replacement hardware

A research team has successfully compromised a smartphone by injecting malicious code into the drivers for the touchscreen. The code allows full access to the device, including the ability to alter files, use the phone's camera, download malicious apps, and grant root access without unlocking the bootloader.
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The edge of a case window can just be seen on the bottom of the laptop. (Source: HP)

Gamescom 2017 | HP announces the Omen X with an unlocked i7, GTX 1080, and mechanical keyboard

After months of teasing, HP has now made the 17-inch version of the HP Omen X official. It will release later this year with options including an overclock ready Kaby Lake i7, up to a GTX 1080, and a mechanical keyboard. Buyers can also choose between a 1080p 120 Hz G-Sync or 4K screen.
The AT&T Primetime. (Source: The Verge)

AT&T launches a new tablet meant for DirecTV streaming

If you love DirecTV and need a new tablet, AT&T is hoping to entice you with its new device. The Primetime is focused on video playback, but will be a hard sell to people who already stream video on their phones or tablets.
The Gionee X1 is available in Champagne Gold and Black.

Budget Gionee X1 released in India

The X1 is Gionee's newest budget device for the Indian market. It features the MT6737, 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of storage, a rear fingerprint reader, and a 3000mAh battery. Not a bad deal for US$140, all things considered.
Honor 9

88% Honor 9 Smartphone Review

Flashy. As with its predecessor, the Honor 9 compels at first sight with its flashy design of dancing light reflections on the back. But is this all just smoke and mirrors, or can Honor's new flagship also convinces with its dual camera and fast performance? We find out in the test.
HiSilicon Kirin 960 | ARM Mali-G71 MP8 | 5.15" | 155 g
Apple iOS 11 unveiling event, new beta builds available as of late August 2017

New iOS 11 beta builds now available

Next to the sixth public beta, Apple also unleashed the iOS 11 beta 7 aimed at developers. The anticipated release date of the final version remains in September when the next-gen iPhone should arrive.
The Linksys WRT32X has an agressive design. (Source: Linksys)

Gamescom 2017 | Linksys announces the WRT32X Gaming Router and claims it is "the first true gaming router"

Linksys announces the new WRT32X which they say is "the first true gaming router" designed in partnership with Killer Networking to incorporate their Killer Networking Prioritization engine. Linksys claims that peak ping can be reduced by up to 77 percent when a laptop with Killer networking connects. The WRT32X contains high-end features and is open source ...
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Acer Predator Helios 300 (7700HQ, GTX 1060, full-HD) Laptop Review

82% Acer Predator Helios 300 (7700HQ, GTX 1060, full-HD) Laptop Review

A slim gamer! Acer's Predator Helios 300 is a gaming notebook that weights under 3 kg (~106 oz). Can its cooling system keep up with the relatively compact build and supply the device with sufficient fresh air? Find out in our detailed review.
Intel Core i7-7700HQ | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (Laptop) | 17.3" | 2.9 kg
Samsung Galaxy J5 (2016) Smartphone Review

82% Samsung Galaxy J5 (2016) Smartphone Review

Metalhead. Plastic before, metal now: The new edition of the Galaxy J5 aims to make a higher-quality impression. However, the inner values have remained mostly the same. Is that enough for a successful update?
Update: New firmware is rolled out.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 MSM8916 | Qualcomm Adreno 306 | 5.2" | 159 g
Paranoid Android custom ROM logo, Paranoid Android 7.2.3 comes with new languages

Paranoid Android 7.2.3 comes with new languages

The latest release of the popular custom ROM known as AOSPA to its users brings new customization options to the stock launcher, including app labeling, as well as support for Russian, Dutch, French, German, and a few other languages.
BlackBerry KEYone

83% BlackBerry KEYone Smartphone Review

Press me! TLC has presented a new BlackBerry smartphone with a physical keyboard: the KEYone. The new smartphone combines a 4.5-inch touchscreen with a touch-sensitive keyboard that can also be used as a Trackpad.
Update: Build AAN358 is rolled out.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 | Qualcomm Adreno 506 | 4.5" | 180 g
OnePlus 5

89% OnePlus 5 Smartphone Review

Computation artist. The OnePlus 5 is a fast smartphone that is available for a good price - although it is not as cheap as it used to be and competition has increased. Can the smartphone with dual camera, AMOLED screen and a slim case still hold its ground among the high-end range? Find out in our review.
Update: New firmware brings image stabilization for 4k videos.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (8998) | Qualcomm Adreno 540 | 5.5" | 153 g
Huawei Mate 9 Phablet Review

89% Huawei Mate 9 Phablet Review

Think big! You should have a look at Huawei's latest product if you like big high-end phablets. Besides the new Kirin 960 SoC, you get a dual-camera, modern Android 7.0 with the new EMUI 5.0 as well as a big battery. The highlight is a 5.9-inch IPS display. A good device, no question, but our review shows where it struggles.
Update: Firmware B190 is available.
HiSilicon Kirin 960 | ARM Mali-G71 MP8 | 5.9" | 192 g
The 19 PCIE connectors are divided into three groups, each with its own ATX12V power connector (Source: Asus)

Asus outs specialized cryptomining motherboard supporting 19 graphics cards

The B250 Mining Expert motherboard is specifically designed for GPU cryptomining, supporting up to 19 graphics cards. Asus states that the MSRP is $US130, making it one of the best deals for Ethereum miners.
Has Intel leaked the Surface Book 2 in black? (Source: Intel)

Microsoft hints at a Black Surface Book 2 in PR video

A new promotional video from Intel appears to show an unreleased Black Microsoft Surface Book. Although designed to promote its latest 8th-generation Core processors, the clip has garnered much more interest thanks to the hardware on show.
The HP Spectre x360 is one of the first ultrabooks fitted with Nvidia's MX150 GPU (Source: HP)

15-inch HP Spectre x360 convertible surfaces with an 8th-gen Core i7 and MX150 GPU

The HP Spectre x360 will be one of the first ultrabooks to ship with both an 8th-generation Intel Kaby Lake-R CPU and an Nvidia Pascal-based MX150 GPU. US customers can pre-order the device now for a September 7 shipping date.
With the latest 8 GB RAM version of the Nubia Z17, ZTE is offering a serious competitor for the OnePlus 5 and the LG G6. (Source: ZTE)

ZTE is offering the Nubia Z17 8 GB RAM version for pre-orders

The 8 GB RAM Nubia Z17 can now be pre-ordered for US$479 (64 GB storage model) or US$599 (128 GB storage model) between August 21 - 28. Pre-order perks include 10,000 mAH power banks, headphones and discount vouchers.
YotaPhone 3 from behind at TENAA, launch in China is imminent

YotaPhone 3 hits TENAA

The next-gen YotaPhone has a 5.5-inch main display and a 5.2-inch monochrome touchscreen on the back. It uses the Snapdragon 625 processor and is expected to hit the market starting around US$360.
Asus Zephyrus GX501VS (i7-7700HQ, GTX 1070 Max-Q) Laptop Review

85% Asus Zephyrus GX501VS (i7-7700HQ, GTX 1070 Max-Q) Laptop Review

Now $500 cheaper. Asus is doubling down on Max-Q with its second Zephyrus notebook equipped with GTX 1070 Max-Q graphics. The asking price is a bit more manageable this time around, but the hardware shortcomings are hard to ignore despite the strong graphics performance.
Intel Core i7-7700HQ | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q | 15.6" | 2.3 kg
Easy naming choice, for the most part.

Android 8 released, O is for Oreo

Android O has finally been released, with O standing for sweet, tasty Oreos. Updates have started rolling out for those in the Beta program, and users should be able to download factory images soon.
MSI launches GT75VR Titan gaming notebook in Europe for 2800 Euros

Gamescom 2017 | MSI launches GT75VR Titan gaming notebook in Europe for 2800 Euros

MSI's fattest and most powerful 17-inch gaming notebook yet is 58 mm thick and 4.6 kg heavy with up to an unlocked Core i7-7820HK and overclockable GTX 1080 GPU.
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12 new external reviews +
Sony is set to continue its Xperia Compact line with the XZ1 Compact. (Source: @OnLeaks)

Sony XZ1 Compact renders make an appearance

Hot on the heels of the Sony Xperia XZ1 leak, its smaller stablemate, the Xperia XZ1 Compact, has also surfaced in unofficial renders. The device will help to keep Sony as virtually the only Android handset maker continuing to make a high-end compact smartphone.
Aug 21
Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) Android handset with Qualcomm Snapdragon surfaces online

Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Galaxy A5 (2018) surfaces online

The SM-A5300 handset that arrived at Geekbench is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor and has 6 GB of memory, while the A5 (2017) has an Exynos 7880 chip under the hood and just 3 GB RAM.
It's about time Xiaomi came up with a new design, though.

Redmi Note 5A launched

The Redmi Note 5A has been announced and while it makes no significant improvements on the previous devices in the series, you'll still have a hard time finding better devices at that price point.
Targeted at casual gamers, the Acer Nitro 5 Spin is set to arrive in October. (Source: Acer)

Acer reveals Convertible Nitro 5 Spin notebook for casual gamers

Acer has taken the covers off its new Nitro 5 Spin convertible notebook for casual gamers. Judging by its looks and specifications, it is set to go head-to-head with the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 and the Lenovo 720-151KB.
Nokia 8 Android flagship will not reach the US market via official channels

Nokia 8 to skip China and the US

While the Nokia 8 is an interesting flagship that would surely gain quite a few fans in China and the US, HMD Global has revealed that this handset will not arrive in these two markets.
The new Lenovo Legion Y920 gaming desktop. (Source: Lenovo)

Gamescom 2017 | Three new Lenovo Legion gaming desktops with corsair as sole memory supplier

Lenovo has announced the Legion Y520 Tower, Y720 Tower, and Y920 Tower gaming PC's which feature Kaby Lake processors and a choice of Pascal or Polaris graphics cards. The top end Y920 has options for Intel K-Series processors, and some markets will have a water cooled configuration. All systems will feature Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-2800 RAM.
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Android 8.0 Oreo robot leaked image via Evan Blass

Android 8.0 to launch as Oreo, reveals Evan Blass

Although a few other names surfaced in the Android 8.0-related rumors we heard so far, it seems like the next major iteration of Google's mobile operating system will be named Oreo after all.
Comparison of Laptop Graphics Cards

Comparison of Laptop Graphics Cards

Inclusive list of all graphics cards currently available for notebooks. Approximate 3DMark benchmarks results are provided in italic.
Mobile Graphics Cards - Benchmark List

Mobile Graphics Cards - Benchmark List

Sort and filter through all currently available mobile graphics cards by performance or specification.
Computer Games on Laptop Graphics Cards

Computer Games on Laptop Graphics Cards

List of all currently available mobile graphics cards and their performance in games.
Intel Core i5-8250U, i5-8350U, i7-8550U, and i7-8650U Kaby Lake-R launches today (Source: Intel)

Intel Core i5-8250U, i5-8350U, i7-8550U, and i7-8650U Kaby Lake-R series launches today

The four 15 W TDP processors will run at slower base clock rates and with the same integrated 620 Graphics as the 7th generation Kaby Lake equivalents. Regardless, the move to four cores and eight threads promises a significant 40 percent performance boost without sacrificing battery life.
Motorola Moto 360 Sport Android Wear smartwatch gets 2.0 software update

Moto 360 Sport gets Android Wear 2.0

About a year after receiving Android Wear 1.5, Motorola's smartwatch is finally ready to get the features and improvements that other wearables such as the Asus ZenWatch 3 or Huawei Watch already got thanks to Android Wear 2.0.
Micromax Evok Dual Note Android smartphone hits India tomorrow

Micromax Evok Dual Note now official

This new 5.5-inch handset comes with 3 GB or 4 GB RAM, both variants offering a MediaTek MT6750 processor, 32 GB internal storage, and a dual-camera setup that uses the Sony IMX258 sensor. It runs Android Nougat and has a price tag of around US$156.
Coolpad Cool Play 6 Android flagship to hit India in early September

Coolpad Cool Play 6 flagship coming to India next month

This flagship comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 653 processor, 6 GB RAM, 64 GB internal storage, a 13 MP + 13 MP dual setup on the back, and runs Android Nougat out of the box. It will hit India exclusively via Amazon for about US$235.
Mobile Processors - Benchmark List

Mobile Processors - Benchmark List

This is a benchmark list of mobile processors like Intel Core M, A10, A8, Atom, ... series - sorted by performance.
Asus ZenFone 4 Max Android smartphone being launched in Taiwan

Asus ZenFone 4 Max being released in Taiwan

Only available for purchase in Russia so far, the 5.5-inch ZenFone 4 Max is now official in Taiwan. However, the details regarding its price and launch date are still shady at this time.
Intel has tweaked the performance/watt ratios in order to keep the power consumption of all unlocked CPU versions under 100 W. (Source: Intel)

Intel supplies business partners with new info on the 8th gen desktop CPUs

And Intel partner briefing held in China has revealed that the performance gains between the 7th gen and 8th gen CPUs are due to the increased number of cores and enlarged L3 memory caches. The i7 CPUs will feature 6 cores and 12 threads with 12 MB L3, the i5 CPUs will come with 6 cores and 6 threads with 9 MB L3, and the entry-level i3 processors will only ...
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Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) at TENAA, details now available, launch is imminent

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2017) hits TENAA

Not long after obtaining its FCC certification, this upcoming 8-inch Android slate surfaces at TENAA with a quad-core processor, 3 GB RAM, 32 GB and 64 GB storage versions, as well as a 5,000 mAh battery.
3D XPoint: Intel Optane Memory Review

3D XPoint: Intel Optane Memory Review

We have tried and tested the Intel Optane Memory's functions as a classic storage device. Even though some users might benefit from the new technology in specific cases, we cannot really recommend it.
Intel Core i7-7740X | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti (Desktop) |
The Core i5-8250U and the i7-8550U Coffee Lake CPUs are the two top options for the new PowerBook G5 models. (Source: HP)

HP announces the ProBook 400 G5 business laptops powered by Intel's Coffee Lake CPUs

HP has refreshed their ProBook business laptop series with models powered by the latest Core i5-8250U and i7-8550U Coffee Lake CPUs from Intel. The ProBook G5 models come in 13.3”, 15.6” and 17.3” sizes.
HTC Vive is now US$200 cheaper. (Source: HTC)

HTC Vive now $200 cheaper in the U.S.

HTC matches the US$200 price cut Oculus gave its Rift VR headset, slashing the price of its Vive VR headset to US$599.
Action Launcher 27.1 Android launcher now available for download

Action Launcher 27.1 now available

A few weeks after receiving Google Now integration, Action Launcher gets a new update that delivers a weather widget for handsets that run Marshmallow or later, as well as new customization options.

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Laptop, Tablet and Smartphone Reviews, Tech, and News

Our aim is to provide serious and competent information about notebooks, smartphones and tablets. For more than 12 years now, Notebookcheck provides detailed tests, reviews, news, technical information (like our CPU and GPU benchmarks) and links to reviews by other sites.
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Upcoming Reviews

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Notebookcheck (Update: 2017-08-21)