Notebookcheck Logo

Latest Tech News

Breaking news, developing stories, insightful articles, and thought-provoking columns about laptops, smartphones, gaming, CPUs, GPUs, and anything related to tech. The latest tech news is also available via Notebookcheck's RSS feed.

    settings restrict
Page Type
Restrict articles to display by Page Type. Each article only falls under one Page Type category.
, , , , , , ,
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,    
Tags
Restrict articles to display by their associated tags. Articles can have multiple tags and can be further restricted with the "and" or search relation.
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,    
Search
Search by article title: 
additional restrictions: News, Columns
Dec 3, 2019
The Redmi Note 8. (Source: Xiaomi)

10 million units in three months: The Redmi Note 8 series is outselling the Redmi Note 7 duo

Just three months after the phones were launched, Xiaomi has confirmed that it has sold ten million units of the Redmi Note 8 series. That is, the Redmi Note 8 and Note 8 Pro. This means that the Note 8 phones are actually outselling the Redmi Note 7 phones, which is incredible considering the phones’ relatively lackluster reception by the enthusiast community.
Ricci Rox, 03 Dec 2019 11:05
The back of the Redmi K30 has a very Huawei look to it. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Updated | Xiaomi Redmi K30: Design revealed ahead of imminent launch

Xiaomi's next mid-range smartphone may arrive as soon as tomorrow, according to new information posted online. The Redmi K30 series will also be 5G capable, throwing up questions about the SoC that will underpin the smartphones. The K20 series successors will sport a radically different design too, along with a new high-resolution Sony camera sensor.
Updated: New marketing photos confirm fingerprint scanner question and confirm launch date. Two Redmi-branded smart devices have been teased too.
Alex Alderson, 03 Dec 2019 09:42
The AMD Radeon RX 5300M seems to be an excellent alternative to the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650.

Exclusive: First 5300M Benchmarks | AMD Radeon RX 5300M takes the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 to the cleaners despite clock and memory constraints

We were provided preliminary 3DMark benchmarks performed on a pre-production laptop powered by the new AMD Radeon RX 5300M mobile GPU, which give us first impressions of how AMD's new entry-level Navi 14 part stacks up against the competition. Although the RX 5300M does suffer a performance setback against the RX 5500M, it does a good job in beating the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 and its Max-Q variant quite convincingly.
Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 03 Dec 2019 08:57
Where are all these Walmart laptops coming from? Tongfang is the source

Where are all these Walmart laptops coming from? Tongfang is the source

You can shop smarter by knowing where resellers like Walmart are getting their laptops. ODMs often sell the same white label laptop to multiple resellers who will then reskin and rebrand the laptop as their own. By shopping around different resellers, you can often find the exact same laptop under different names but at cheaper prices.
Allen Ngo, 03 Dec 2019 06:34
The Galaxy S11+ looks set for rounded display corners all around. (Source: @universeice)

Galaxy S11+ screen protector leaks point to curved edges all around

Samsung’s Galaxy S11+ is generating a lot of interest as you would expect from the next Samsung flagship smartphone due for an official reveal early next year. Well known Samsung insider @universice is back at it again, this time confirming what he expects will be a substantially reshaped front display to help set the device apart from the competition.
Sanjiv Sathiah, 03 Dec 2019 04:27
The KFA2 GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER: Worthy of your time and money. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

KFA2 GeForce GTX 1660 Super: A midrange GPU that punches above its weight

If you have set yourself a limit of around €250 (~US$275) for a new desktop GPU this Christmas, then you will run into the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER sooner or later. The GTX 1660 SUPER improves upon the regular GTX 1660 in several areas, with the KFA2 version going even further than a reference card could.
Alex Alderson, 03 Dec 2019 01:39
Dec 2, 2019
The OnePlus 6 and 6T originally received Android 10 at the start of last month. (Image source: OnePlus)

OnePlus 6 and 6T pick up Android 10 update

Still waiting for Android 10 on your OnePlus 6 or 6T? Well, OnePlus has started releasing the OS upgrade again, but only to handsets in China. You could install the build on any OnePlus 6 or 6T, though.
Alex Alderson, 02 Dec 2019 23:22
Sony Crackle is an example of an ad-based video streaming service. (Source: Sony)

More and more people are using ad-based streaming services

Some subscription-based streaming platforms have become huge for a number of reasons, the total lack of ads being one of them. However, there are emerging alternatives that reinstate this potential disadvantage back in return for no monthly fee. Research has shown that their uptake in the United States has increased by nearly 10% over the last 12 months.
Deirdre O Donnell, 02 Dec 2019 23:13
A teaser shot for the 2020 Galaxy As. (Source: YouTube)

Samsung will launch the 2020 Galaxy A series soon

Samsung Vietnam has released a new trailer for the upcoming Galaxy A series. It is pretty apparent that, with their central punch-hole displays, they will improve on their predecessors in one respect at least. They will launch in this market on December 12, 2019.
Deirdre O Donnell, 02 Dec 2019 22:32
The Realme U1. (Source: GSMArena)

Realme cuts some 2018 phones out of its Android 10 plans

The Realme 1, 2, C1 and U1 were all released at various points in 2018. Despite this, their maker has just announced that they will not receive an update to ColorOS 7. This is an upcoming software skin based on Android 10 that the company shares with OPPO.
Deirdre O Donnell, 02 Dec 2019 19:41
The Amazfit GTS reportedly did very well this Black Friday. (Source: Huami)

Huami asserts that its Amazfit GTS smartwatch had an outstanding Black Friday

Huami has released a statement on how its latest device, the Amazfit GTS, did in the recent November 2019 sales event. It claims that the smartwatch was a hit on numerous regional online sales platform. The GTR and Bip Lite wearables also allegedly sold out in 1 hour in 1 store.
Deirdre O Donnell, 02 Dec 2019 18:46
The Xperia Compact compared to previous compact Sony phones. (Source: Ithome)

Sony is working on the Xperia Compact, a 5.5-inch phone for lovers of small devices

Be excited, ye lovers of small smartphones; be very excited. Sony is apparently working on a new compact phone. The Xperia Compact will feature a 5.5-inch display with a physical footprint smaller than that of the Xperia XZ2 Compact and Samsung Galaxy S10e.
Ricci Rox, 02 Dec 2019 10:21
The Mi Note 10 features ridiculously good camera hardware. (Source: Mi)

DxOMark picks its best smartphone cameras of 2019 sorted by categories, and the Mi Note 10 Pro dominates

DxOMark has shared its thoughts on what it considers to be the best smartphone cameras of 2019, grouped into specific sub-categories. There are a few iffy choices, but one major takeaway from the list is just how impressive the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Pro is.
Ricci Rox, 02 Dec 2019 10:19
Dec 1, 2019
The EHA has released the results of its latest study. (Source: EHA)

60% or more European consumers would go for an AMD APU in their next desktop

The European Hardware Association (EHA) has released the results of its latest study into user preferences for chipsets from different manufacturers. It indicates that over 60% of these customers would choose AMD for their next non-mobile PC processor. The preference for this company's graphics is also showing slow but steady growth.
Deirdre O Donnell, 01 Dec 2019 23:43
The Huawei Watch GT 2 will get a new market soon. (Source: Twitter)

The Huawei Watch GT 2 will see an Indian launch in December 2019

Huawei has announced that it will introduce its Watch GT 2 to Indian customers on December 5, 2019. This will be the first device with the new Kirin A1 processor for wearables released to this market. This smartwatch also boasts a 2-week battery life and a bezel-less display.
Deirdre O Donnell, 01 Dec 2019 20:33
It seems Realme has made a leap of its own. (Source: Realme)

Realme, the OPPO sub-brand? Not for much longer, apparently

The smartphone OEM Realme started life as a spin-off from the company OPPO. Now, however, it has emerged that the 2 brands are effectively going their separate ways. The younger firm is now its own private company with its own CEO and R&D unit.
Deirdre O Donnell, 01 Dec 2019 19:50
Olympus: Sale of its camera division and job cuts are on the table

Olympus: Sale of its camera division and job cuts are on the table

Olympus has plans to address "the issue of personnel" as part of a restructuring process, according to Bloomberg. Its CEO has hinted that the company may sell its camera division to help double its operating margin too.
Alex Alderson, 01 Dec 2019 15:26
No Android 10 love for the Galaxy Note 8 or S8. (Image source: Android Authority)

Samsung snubs the Galaxy Fold, while dropping the Galaxy S8, S8+ and Note 8

The Galaxy S10 series may have already started receiving Android 10 in some regions, but Galaxy Fold owners are not so fortunate. One UI 2.0 roadmaps state that the device still has another four months to wait before it sees an OS upgrade, despite being Samsung's most expensive smartphone. The Galaxy S8, S8+ and Note 8 are unlikely ever to see Android 10, either.
Alex Alderson, 01 Dec 2019 15:20
The Redmi K30 is coming on December 10. (Source: Xiaomi)

Opinion | Redmi K30 leaks paint the picture of a thoroughly disappointing sequel to an excellent phone

We genuinely believe the Redmi K20 and K20 Pro—and the Mi 9T rebrands—to be the best-value premium smartphones on the market. Xiaomi is set to release a successor this month, the Redmi K30, but things aren't looking quite as exciting as one would expect.
Ricci Rox, 01 Dec 2019 11:04
The Samsung Galaxy Buds. (Source: CNET)

Deal | You can snag the Samsung Galaxy Buds with wireless charging case right now for just US$99

Samsung released the Galaxy Buds earlier in the year. The AirPods competitor have an MSRP of US$129.99 but can be had for quite a bit cheaper right now. For US$99.99, to be exact—US$30 or 23% off.
Ricci Rox, 01 Dec 2019 11:04
Nov 30, 2019
The two PS5 devkits seem to be joined by what could be a DualShock 5 controller. (Image source: @Alcoholikaust)

Leaked image of two PlayStation 5 devkits reveals prototype DualShock 5 controller

Another image of the PlayStation 5 devkit has been leaked, with two of the devices caught on camera this time around. While this latest picture confirms the design of the next-gen console devkits, there also seems to be a surprise reveal of the DualShock 5 controller. The PS5 is scheduled for release in Holiday 2020 and is expected to cost around US$499.
Daniel R Deakin, 30 Nov 2019 23:29
A shot of the Redmi Note 7 Pro in question. (Source: Toutiao)

A second Redmi Note 7 series phone reportedly self-destructs

A Chinese user has reportedly claimed that a Redmi Note 7 Pro caught fire, resulting in the complete destruction of the phone. This would be the second time in two weeks that a mobile device from this OEM has apparently ended up in such a state. The company has denied the incident is related to the quality of the phone in question.
Deirdre O Donnell, 30 Nov 2019 22:49
The ThinkPad T430, one of many classic ThinkPads. (Source: Lenovo)

Feature | The fading light of the do-it-all business laptop

Business laptops have traditionally been the go-to for anyone needing a laptop that can do just about anything well. In recent times, the gradual removal of ports, upgradability, and overall repairability in these laptops is starting to conflict with that idea. Is this a step in the right direction, or are these misguided changes to appeal to "prosumers"?
Loki Rautio, 30 Nov 2019 22:18
A new Google Messages update has a new setting. (Source: Google)

Google's Messages app gains a new ability to protect against phishing

Google is pushing a new update in which its SMS app will gain the ability to tell between 'real' and 'fake' corporate messages. This will be done in line with the search giant's new "Verified" initative, by which businesses register with Google so as to prevent their communiques being automatically labelled as a form of spam and never reaching their customers.
Deirdre O Donnell, 30 Nov 2019 22:09
The LG G8 ThinQ. (Source: LG)

The LG G8 ThinQ reportedly updates to Android 10

LG's original 2019 flagship smartphone has started to see updates to Android 10. However, this is only reportedly applicable to units in the OEM's native South Korea at present. This upgrade also apparently comes with the November 2019 security patch.
Deirdre O Donnell, 30 Nov 2019 19:34
The Samsung Galaxy A30s, a good smartphone but one that is out of its depth. (Image source: Samsung)

Samsung Galaxy A30s: A playful but inferior smartphone

The Galaxy A30s impressed in many areas during our recent review of Samsung's latest entry-level handset. However, while the A30s is well-built and looks the part, it cannot match its competitors on performance and battery life.
Alex Alderson, 30 Nov 2019 19:11
The Ticwatch Pro. (Source: Mobvoi)

Deal | The TicWatch Pro 4G/LTE gets a 25% discount

Mobvoi's Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale has started. It includes a 25% discount on its Ticwatch Pro and Pro 4G/LTE models, which are normally US$249.99 and $299 respectively. The OEM is also offering other smartwatches at up to $50 off.
Deirdre O Donnell, 30 Nov 2019 18:51
A theoretical light computer. (Image via ElectricalFundBlog.com)

Researchers develop first electro-optical processor, bridging the gap between electrical- and light-based computers

Researchers at Oxford University have developed a new device that can transmit, encode, and decode information either through light or electrons. The new device should bridge the gap between traditional computers and new light computers as well as pave the way for more efficient and faster computer hardware in the future.
Sam Medley, 30 Nov 2019 17:21
Asus throwing in a free ZenFone Max M1 smartphone or $500 off the ROG Phone with each purchase of a new laptop (Source: Asus)

Deal | Asus throwing in a free ZenFone Max M1 smartphone or $500 off the ROG Phone with each purchase of a new laptop

The limited time deal includes dozens of Asus laptops from the ultra-thin ZenBook series to the enthusiast ROG series. It's a nice incentive even if the smartphones aren't the latest ones on the block.
Allen Ngo, 30 Nov 2019 07:05
Lenovo ThinkPad T14 & X13: T490 & X390 successors adhere to new naming scheme

Lenovo ThinkPad T14 & X13: T490 & X390 successors adhere to new naming scheme

The mystery of the new Lenovo ThinkPad naming scheme is solved: The ThinkPad laptops of the T and X series adopt the new, simplified naming system that Lenovo has already previewed with some of the budget ThinkPads. The upcoming models ThinkPad T14 and ThinkPad X13 are listed on Lenovo's website for the first – but there are no pictures or specifications yet.
Benjamin Herzig, 30 Nov 2019 01:27
The OnePlus 6 and 6T will soon be rocking Android 10. (Image source: goandroid.co.in)

OnePlus 6 and 6T receive a fresh Android 10 beta update ahead of imminent release

OnePlus' Android 10 rollout to the 6 and 6T has been beset by issues, but things could be on the up. Having pulled the update earlier this month, the company has now pushed out a new beta build to both handsets. OnePlus was hopeful that it would re-release Android 10 to the 6 and 6T this week, but that timeline has slipped once again.
Alex Alderson, 30 Nov 2019 00:50
The Redmi Note 8 Pro, not to be confused with the Mi Note 10 Pro. (Image source: Gizmochina)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro picks up Android 10, sort of

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro has now started receiving Android 10-based builds of MIUI 11, having been spotted on Geekbench running Android 10 earlier this month. The 1.9 GB update contains the November 2019 set of security patches too, along with a few MIUI 11-related optimisations.
Alex Alderson, 30 Nov 2019 00:38
The back of the Galaxy S11+ may look more like this initial renders, according to Ice Universe. (Image source: Ben Geskin)

Samsung has something "Bright" planned for the zoom lens in the Galaxy S11, according to renowned leaker

With the leaks about the Galaxy S11 series hotting up, a recently discovered patent suggests that Samsung is prepping something called a "Bright Night Sensor" for mobile devices. The well-informed Russian Blue cat has been dropping some hints over the last few days about its potential uses too.
Alex Alderson, 30 Nov 2019 00:30
Nov 29, 2019
Google has some offers for Black Friday. (Source: Google)

Deal | Google's Black Friday sale makes its Pixel prices look much more reasonable

The Google Pixel 4 series started at US$799 at launch. However, the OEM's Black Friday event brings it down to $200 off each variant. Their predecessors are also included in this sale, as are the Pixel 3a and 3a XL.
Deirdre O Donnell, 29 Nov 2019 21:16
The Lepow portable monitor. (Source: Lepow)

Deal | The Lepow FHD USB type C portable monitor is going on a 30% off sale

Lepow has announced a 30% discount on its portable monitor as of tomorrow (November 30, 2019). This product is a 15.6-inch display with a built-in stand-cover and dual speakers. It has USB type C and mini HDMI ports so as to be compatible with mobile devices, PCs and consoles.
Deirdre O Donnell, 29 Nov 2019 20:17
Some Galaxy A models may improve on their predecessors in at least 1 way. (Source: MySmartPrice)

New leak points to Galaxy A10, A30 and A40 successors with improved storage specs

The leaker Ishan Agarwal claims to have heard that the Samsung Galaxy A11, A31 and A41 are definitely in the works. Furthermore, these low- to mid-range smartphones will have more internal memory compared to their first generations. They are all thought to launch in 2020.
Deirdre O Donnell, 29 Nov 2019 19:40
EMUI 10 may be the final version of Android that the Mate 20 Lite receives. (Image source: revu.com.ph)

Android 10 reaches the Huawei Mate 20 Lite

Huawei is finalising EMUI 10 for the Mate 20 Lite, and has now made the OS update available to download via its HiCare app. The build has a few minor bugs, but that it is to be expected from a release preview.
Alex Alderson, 29 Nov 2019 18:43
Take care when opening any recent MacBook Pro, not just the new 16-inch model. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

We damaged our 16-inch MacBook Pro, so you don't have to

The 16-inch MacBook Pro may have pleased fans and reviewers alike with its scissor-switch keyboard, Apple's latest laptop remains just as difficult as ever to disassemble. Even a mundane task like cleaning the fans poses the risk of damaging the device if you remove its bottom case incorrectly. We accidentally damaged our review unit, but you don't have to.
Alex Alderson, 29 Nov 2019 18:38
What will Google Stadia need to do to win you over?

Weekend Discussion | What will Google Stadia need to do to win you over?

Aside from the obvious input latency, Stadia has a long list of other issues ranging from its pay-per-title business model and quality of service. What can Google do to make Stadia a success?
Allen Ngo, 29 Nov 2019 18:00
Schenker XMG Neo 15: A high-end gaming laptop with slim bezels. (Image source: Schenker XMG)

Schenker XMG Neo 15: A compact and powerful gaming laptop with a mechanical keyboard?

The XMG Neo 15, based on a Tongfang GK5CQ7Z chassis, packs an Intel Core i7-9750H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q GPU among other components, despite its compact dimensions. There is even a mechanical keyboard onboard too, so gamers should be in for a treat.
Alex Alderson, 29 Nov 2019 17:08
AMD's Ryzen 2000 and 3000 CPUs are clearly the preffered solutions for DIY PC builders. (Source: AMD)

AMD leads Amazon's top 10 CPU best sellers with 9 out of 10 entries

Intel manages to snag the 10th position with the Core i5-9600K, while AMD's models are mostly mid-range CPUs from the 2000 and 3000 series. Thanks to the latest Black Friday deals, the Ryzen 7 2700X occupies the first position with a US$159 price tag. Despite very low supplies, the Ryzen 9 9800X is also featured in the 6th place.
Bogdan Solca, 29 Nov 2019 16:17
Core i9-9900KS for laptops runs slower than the Core i9-9900K

Intel Core i9-9900KS for laptops runs slower than the Core i9-9900K

CineBench R20 results are about 10 percent slower than the Core i9-9900K despite costing $100 more. While our Eurocom Clevo sample shows good performance, the processor is ultimately held back by its high running temperatures of ~90 C even when at stock Turbo Boost speeds.
Allen Ngo, 29 Nov 2019 16:00
It looks like Samsung has been outsourcing Intel's 14 nm CPUs for a few months now, and the order volume is expected to increase by the start of 2020. (Source: mobile-news.ro)

Intel is outsourcing 14 nm CPU production to Samsung's foundries to ease the shortages

Rumors about a possible collaboration between Intel and Samsung started making the rounds this summer, and the latest reports from Korea now confirm that Samsung's foundries will help Intel alleviate the 14 nm CPU shortage problems, as the Korean giant has managed to lock in a significant number of CPU orders for the beginning of 2020.
Bogdan Solca, 29 Nov 2019 15:51
XMG Neo 17: Slim-bezel laptop with mechanical keyboard

Schenker XMG Neo 17: Moderate system noise while gaming

The XMG Neo 17 from Schenker Technologies is a 17-inch gaming notebook that can be configured individually and has an enticing mechanical keyboard.
Florian Glaser, 29 Nov 2019 15:33
Deal alert!

Finally good value for money: Get the 108 MP Mi Note 10 for just US$466

While we're fans of the Mi Note 10, its US$610 MSRP was rather off-putting, and we recommended potential buyers to wait for a sale if they planned to buy the device. Well, here's one such deal. The Mi Note 10 can now be had for just US$466, about US$140 off its MSRP.
Ricci Rox, 29 Nov 2019 13:30
Zen 3-based Ryzen 4000 processors are expected to offer around 15% IPC gains over their predecessors. (Image source: Playground.ru)

AIDA64 adds support for 7 nm AMD Vermeer and Renoir processors

Popular diagnostic tool AIDA64 has been updated for the arrival of 2020 processors, namely AMD Ryzen 4000 "Vermeer" and "Renoir" processors. The desktop and mobile chips are due to arrive in Q3 and Q1 2020 respectively. Only the former will be making the jump to AMD's new Zen 3 architecture though, with Renoir being based on its existing Zen 2 architecture.
Alex Alderson, 29 Nov 2019 13:29
The MateBook D refresh will start at 3,999 CNY (~US$568). (Image source: Huawei)

Huawei launches upgraded MateBook D 14 and MateBook D 15 range with AMD APUs, 10th Gen Intel processors and NVIDIA GPUs

The MateBook D is back, and it is shipping with Windows 10. Huawei has upgraded the MateBook D 14 and MateBook D 15 to 10th generation Intel Core and third-generation AMD Ryzen processors. Both models are configurable with up to 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD, while Intel versions also come with an NVIDIA GeForce MX250 GPU.
Alex Alderson, 29 Nov 2019 13:23
The S10e is receiving the Android 10 update. (Source: ZDNet)

The Samsung Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e are now receiving the stable Android 10-based One UI 2.0 update

A series of official Samsung Android 10 rollout roadmaps all cite the Galaxy S10 phones as billed to receive the stable Android 10 update in January. That isn't the case for all regions, though, as some owners of the S10, S10+, and S10e are already confirming receipt of the OTA.
Ricci Rox, 29 Nov 2019 13:02
The Asus ROG Phone. (Source: WCCFTech)

The first generation Asus ROG Phone is finally receiving the Android Pie update

Over a year after going on sale, the first-gen Asus ROG Phone is now receiving the Android Pie update. Yes, you read that correctly; Pie, not Android 10. The rollout is a staged one and the OTA will get to all users of the device over the next few days.
Ricci Rox, 29 Nov 2019 13:01
Nubia Red Magic 3S gaming smartphone will be $50 off for this week only (Image source: Nubia)

Nubia Red Magic 3S gaming smartphone will be $449 for this week only

The Red Magic 3 wants to prove that you don't have to spend $800+ on a high-end gaming smartphone. The latest model with the Snapdragon 855 Plus SoC and UFS 3.0 storage will be only $450 USD until December 3.
Allen Ngo, 29 Nov 2019 09:00

All news articles from Sept. 2010 on are located in our News Archive.

Google LogoAdd as a preferred source on Google
Mail Logo
Notebookcheck, 2021-10-10 (Update: 2026-09- 9)