Smartphone

The Exynos 2400 might have a new trick. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung Exynos 2400 tipped for mass production with cutting-edge semiconductor technology

The Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus are thought to launch with what Samsung might call the best and most powerful chipset it has ever made in the Exynos 2400. The SoC's projected bragging rights are also now believed to include production...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 18 Nov 2023 17:48

Phone Link comes to OnePlus. (Source: OnePlus)

OnePlus smartphones to get Microsoft Phone Link via OxygenOS 14

OnePlus has announced that its next major stable software upgrade for Android smartphones will make them compatible with Microsoft Phone Link. Eligible devices will thus have a whole new way to move their calls, notifications and ...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 18 Nov 2023 17:05

Top 5 must-play Android games of November 2023

CheckMag November 2023's top 5 Android games deliver a mix of horror, strategy, and adventure, each game standing out with its unique narrative and immersive gameplay. Perfect for gamers seeking new worlds to conquer and stories to experie...

Triet Le, 18 Nov 2023 14:13

The original Google Tensor SoC. (Source: Google)

Three chips in and Google Tensor is on life support

Google introduced the Tensor series of chips with the Pixel 6 series in 2021. It was meant to usher in a range of chips specially tailored by Google to keep up with its class-leading AI-based software features. Just three Tensor c...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 18 Nov 2023 13:14

The Galaxy xCover7 has a simpler design than its predecessor, the Galaxy xCover6 Pro. (Image source: @MysteryLupin)

Samsung Galaxy xCover7 to launch with Android 14 and same MediaTek Dimensity chipset as Galaxy A15 5G

Geekbench has outlined various specifications for the Galaxy xCover7, Samsung's next rugged smartphone. Surprisingly, the Galaxy xCover7 will have a less powerful chipset than the outgoing Galaxy xCover6 Pro, which it will share w...

Alex Alderson, 18 Nov 2023 12:27

The Galaxy S22 Ultra is now eligible for One UI 6 in some markets. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Samsung Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22 Plus and Galaxy S22 Ultra start receiving Android 14 with One UI 6 updates

Samsung has quietly begun upgrading the Galaxy S22 series to One UI 6. Distributed as 'DWK4', the update brings Android 14 to Samsung's older flagships, the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22 Plus and Galaxy S22 Ultra.

Alex Alderson, 18 Nov 2023 11:48

MediaTek plans to unveil the Dimensity 8300 soon (image via MediaTek)

MediaTek Dimensity 8300 makes Geekbench debut with upcoming Redmi device

The mid-range MediaTek Dimensity 8300 has shown up on Geekbench. It performs remarkably better than the Dimensity 8200 and outdoes the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 in multi-core performance.

Anil Ganti, 18 Nov 2023 01:34

Samsung has brought a software-based ND Filter mode to the Galaxy S23 series. (Image source: Steven Divish)

Samsung Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus and Galaxy S23 Ultra to gain camera improvements with Camera Assistant and Expert RAW updates

Samsung has released new updates for its Camera Assistant and Expert RAW apps. Principally aimed at the Galaxy S23 series, the updates are also available for a few other recent flagships. While Camera Assistant 2.0.00.0 introduces...

Alex Alderson, 17 Nov 2023 20:12

The Galaxy A25 5G frame? (Source: MySmartPrice)

Samsung Galaxy A25 5G design, colorway and spec rumors corroborated in new leaks

The A25 5G might launch toward the lower end of the new mid-range Samsung smartphone spectrum, yet is thought to be interesting as it might sport some of the OEM's latest design refinements. Now, a new tip purports to confirm tha...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 17 Nov 2023 18:35

The OnePlus Open in black. (Source: OnePlus)

OnePlus Open Voyager Black with 13% discount launches as Black Friday special in Europe

OnePlus has finally released the version of its first-gen foldable smartphone with a black vegan leather back to the European market. Not only that, the Open Voyager Black has been unleashed as one of the OEM's Black Friday specia...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 17 Nov 2023 17:31

The Magic6 is rumoured to have a better main camera than the Magic5 Pro, pictured. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Honor Magic6 to launch early next year with 1-inch Omnivision OV50K sensor

According to new reports, Honor could be the first Android OEM to launch a smartphone with Omnivision's rumoured 1-inch and 50 MP camera sensor. Allegedly, Honor will also equip the Magic6 with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, as well as t...

Alex Alderson, 17 Nov 2023 13:22

The Qi2 is a MagSafe alternative that is finally being launched for both iPhones and Android smartphones. (Image: Nomad)

Qi2 to be launched by December, initially as a MagSafe alternative for Apple iPhone 15, later for Android smartphones

The new Qi2 standard is finally ready for the market, as the first chargers are set to be launched before the end of the year. The Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro will be the first to support the standard, but the MagSafe altern...

Hannes Brecher, 16 Nov 2023 21:23

One UI 6 will bring Android 14 to dozens of smartphones and tablets, eventually. (Image source: Samsung)

Samsung withdraws Android 14 and One UI 6 update schedule for three dozen devices

Samsung has pulled its One UI 6 release schedule for over 30 devices. The Android 14-based update should have been landing on new devices shortly, but it remains exclusive to the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus and Galaxy S23 Ultra fo...

Alex Alderson, 16 Nov 2023 18:49

OPPO Find X7 with Dimensity 9300 blasts past Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 on AnTuTu

The Find X7 is thought to launch with MediaTek's Dimensity 9300 SoC rather than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 of other contemporary high-end Android smartphones. However, that is no handicap at all, according to AnTuTu. The benc...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 16 Nov 2023 18:42

Arguably, the New Life Edition is even more sustainable than the standard Fairphone 4. (Image source: Fairphone)

Fairphone 4 New Life Edition starts at cheaper pricing with free screen protector and protective case

Fairphone has released the Fairphone 4 New Life Edition, a refurbished Fairphone 4. Accordingly, Fairphone has discounted the New Life Edition, which it ships with a five-year guarantee and two gifts to keep it protected from pic...

Alex Alderson, 16 Nov 2023 18:14

Meizu showcases its latest flagship design. (Source: Meizu)

Meizu 21: Distinctive screen border shown off in pre-launch hands-on leak

Meizu had hinted that its next premium smartphones would have the best-looking display bezels in the Android world on its launch; now, a company executive has revealed what it meant by that in a new hype post. Meanwhile, the 21's ...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 16 Nov 2023 18:06

Google has jumped right ahead to Android 14 QPR2 with its latest public beta build. (Image source: Google)

Google Pixel smartphones gain improvements and bug fixes with new beta update

Google has pushed a new beta build to Pixel devices, which is available for the Pixel 5a onwards. Jumping right ahead to Android 14 QPR2 Beta 1, Google has implicitly confirmed that a new stable quarterly update will soon arrive f...

Alex Alderson, 16 Nov 2023 17:50

ColorOS 14 feature upgrades and global roadmap make debut

OPPO has made the latest version of ColorOS official today (November 16, 2023). The software is based on Android 14, although it contains a host of custom tweaks and tools, some of which have almost iOS 17- or One UI 6-like qualit...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 16 Nov 2023 17:41

The Vivo X100 and Vivo X100 Pro are selling extremely well, according to official figures. (Image: Vivo)

Zeiss flagship camera Vivo X100 (Pro) in huge demand and selling 740% more than its predecessor

Initial information on sales figures for the Vivo X100 and Vivo X100 Pro indicate that sales of the two new smartphone models have got off to a very strong start. The figures are said to be 700% higher than the previous generation...

Marcus Schwarten, 16 Nov 2023 10:39

Deal | Google unveils massive Black Friday deals for Pixel 8 handsets and the Pixel Fold in the US

Set to begin at 3:30 AM ET on November 16 in the US, this year's Black Friday deals on the Google Store will push down the tech giant's mobile flagship devices by up to US$400 (Pixel Fold). The Pixel 8 will get a US$150 price cut ...

Codrut Nistor, 15 Nov 2023 23:57

Double your phone's battery lifespan: 5 smart tips to make it last longer

CheckMag If you're aiming to protect your phone battery from wear and tear and want to maximize its longevity, it's important to remember to follow a set of key practices. Maintaining the health of your phone's battery is vital for its lon...

Triet Le, 15 Nov 2023 22:28

The ROG Phone 7 Ultimate. (Source: Notebookcheck)

Asus ROG Phone 8 series tipped to launch with Android 14 and 65W charging in new leaks

Asus' hints at the imminent launch of next-gen performance-dedicated premium Android smartphones seem backed up in new leaks apparently pointing to OS and SoC upgrades in the upcoming ROG Phone 8 series. Then again, these potentia...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 15 Nov 2023 21:29

The Redmi Note 13R Pro in a light gold finish. (Image source: China Telecom)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R Pro turns up in pre-release leak

According to reports, Xiaomi is on the verge of launching the Redmi Note 13R Pro. Based on a new China Telecom leak, the Redmi Note 13R Pro is something of a Redmi Note 13 re-brand, which Xiaomi launched in China less than two mon...

Alex Alderson, 15 Nov 2023 19:09

RedMagic teases the 9 Pro. (Source: RedMagic)

RedMagic 9 Pro-series: Color options for next-gen futuristic flagship smartphones unveiled

RedMagic boasts that it will unveil the ultimate candy-bar smartphone later in November 2023, thanks to its new, camera hump-free design. Now, the brand has previewed this new chassis in terms of its color options. 9 Pro-series sm...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 15 Nov 2023 18:47

SK hynix LPDDR5T 16 GB memory package (Source: SK hynix)

SK hynix begins shipping LPDDR5T memory for smartphones

Unveiled earlier this year and currently the fastest solution available for smartphones and tablets, the LPDDR5T memory from SK hynix is now shipping to corporate customers. Such a client is Vivo, a brand that announced two MediaT...

Codrut Nistor, 15 Nov 2023 16:56

The Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus might be capable of even better photos now. (Source: Redmi)

Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus upgrades to End-to-End AI 200MP photography in latest OTA

Xiaomi has announced that its latest mid-tier Android flagship smartphone, the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus, is now capable of improved photography with its 200MP main camera thanks to its latest software upgrade. It confers a new End-t...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 15 Nov 2023 15:50

The Realme GT5 Pro(?). (Source: Xiaoyu Review via Weibo)

Realme GT5 Pro hyped as dual-engine flagship smartphone with new design leak

Realme has confirmed that its next GT-series Android smartphone will launch as a "dual-engine flagship" with a unique combination of features soon. In the meantime, its rear panel has starred in a new leak that purports to flaunt ...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 14 Nov 2023 22:04

The Xperia 10 V is now eligible for Android 14 in the EU and UK. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Sony brings new features and improvements to another modern Xperia smartphone with Android 14 update

Sony has released Android 14 for the Xperia 10 V, the second smartphone it has updated to Google's latest Android version. Arriving as 68.1.A.2.93, Android 14 brings various new features and improvements to the Xperia 10 V, albeit...

Alex Alderson, 14 Nov 2023 20:25

Samsung has no plans to launch cheap foldable smartphones anytime soon (image via own)

Samsung shuts down rumours about affordable US$500 foldable smartphone

A Samsung executive says the company has no plans to launch affordable foldables, refuting earlier rumours. It is also undecided on Fan Edition (FE) variants of the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip phones.

Anil Ganti, 14 Nov 2023 20:05

Nothing Chats is exclusive to the Phone (2) for now. (Image source: Nothing)

Nothing Phone (2) becomes first Android smartphone to receive official Apple iMessage support

Nothing has introduced 'Nothing Chats', an app that brings iMessage support to Android. Seemingly, Nothing has designed Nothing Chats to simplify the process of switching from iPhones to its latest smartphone, the Nothing Phone (2...

Alex Alderson, 14 Nov 2023 20:05

The Redmi Note 13 Pro may arrive globally under its name and the POCO X6 5G. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi POCO X6 5G emerges as Redmi Note 13 Pro re-brand

New information about the specifics of the POCO X6 5G has surfaced online. Seemingly, Xiaomi plans to re-use the Redmi Note 13 Pro for the POCO X6 5G, which it will offer globally. The POCO X6 5G may launch without the Redmi Note ...

Alex Alderson, 14 Nov 2023 19:30

Some "Galaxy S24" dummy units. (Source: Sonny Dickson via Twitter/X)

Samsung Galaxy S24: Latest design leak disputed on Twitter/X

Samsung's next trio of flagship Android smartphones are alleged to have appeared on Twitter/X in advance of their launch - albeit possibly in the form of non-working demo units. The new leak purports to confirm each top-end S24-se...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 14 Nov 2023 19:20

Could the camera hump boom finally be over? (Source: RedMagic)

RedMagic 9 Pro preview reveals outstandingly non-existent camera hump

RedMagic claims to bring something new and potentially long-awaited to the Android smartphone world with its upcoming 9 Pro-series flagships: a completely symmetrical profile without a giant protruding camera hump. Even though the...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 14 Nov 2023 18:02

The Honor 100 and Honor 100 Pro are expected to share several features. (Image source: Honor)

Honor 100 and Honor 100 Pro to launch later this month with unusual designs

Honor has outlined initial details for the Honor 100 and Honor 100 Pro, its follow-ups to the Honor 90 series. Building on spring's Honor 90 series, the Honor 100 and Honor 100 Pro sport eye-catching and unusual designs, both with...

Alex Alderson, 14 Nov 2023 17:24

The Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro are already being heavily discounted in Australia. (Source: Google)

Pixel 8 Pro receives its first discount, and it's massive

Just four weeks after its launch, the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8 are already receiving steep discounts in Australia. While it is not unusual for Google to discount its new Pixels over the Black Friday sales period, the discoun...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 14 Nov 2023 11:07

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 also comes with a 67-watt power adapter.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 review: Xiaomi's new high-end foldable only available as a Chinese import

With high-end features, the 8.03-inch Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is competing against foldable top dogs such as the Google Pixel Fold and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, and at a very competitive price. Officially, it is only available in Chin...

Manuel Masiero, 14 Nov 2023 00:45

Vivo offers the X100 and X100 Pro in four colour options. (Image source: Vivo)

Vivo X100 and Vivo X100 Pro launch to take on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 competition with MediaTek Dimensity 9300 and LPDDR5T RAM

Vivo has started selling the X100 and X100 Pro, its latest flagship smartphones. The Vivo X100 pair not only showcase MediaTek's Dimensity 9300 chipset but also LPDDR5T RAM. Vivo equips the X100 and X100 Pro with plenty of other f...

Alex Alderson, 13 Nov 2023 21:47

Samsung may not replace the Galaxy xCover6 Pro, pictured, until early next year. (Image source: Samsung)

Samsung Galaxy xCover7: Samsung's next rugged smartphone pictured ahead of probable 2024 launch

Official-looking render images of the Galaxy xCover7 have leaked online, likely a few months before Samsung refreshes its rugged smartphone series. Reputedly, the Galaxy xCover7 could be a Galaxy A55 in disguise, which is expected...

Alex Alderson, 13 Nov 2023 21:19

Deal | JSAUX 7-in-1 Docking Station with on-board cable holder goes for US$69 off

JSAUX has announced its online Black Friday sale early, with 25% off some of its Steam Deck accessories, not to mention its new iPhone 15 cases. However, the best deal might be the nearly 70% off deal on the brand's innovative 7-i...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 13 Nov 2023 20:50

RedMagic hypes the 9 Pro series. (Source: RedMagic)

RedMagic 9 Pro: Next-gen high-performance flagship Android smartphones set to launch in November 2023

RedMagic has set the date on which its next-gen flagship Android smartphones will be unleashed. They are backed to improve on their 8 Pro and Pro Plus forebears with an even more premium SoC and all-round performance that should g...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 13 Nov 2023 18:28

The Meizu 21's display chin, measured. (Source: Meizu)

Meizu 21 aims to kill the chin in teaser for imminent launch

Meizu hints that its upcoming flagship Android smartphone is coming for the Xiaomi 14 in terms of ultra-narrow-bezel screens. The 21 is touted to put an end to the display chin (or disproportionately thick bottom border) with an a...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 13 Nov 2023 17:52

One UI 6 should reach over 30 devices by the end of the year in some capacity. (Image source: Samsung)

Samsung confirms One UI 6 and Android 14 release schedule for over 30 devices including Galaxy A, Galaxy Z and Galaxy S smartphones

Samsung has revealed that over 30 devices will soon receive their first One UI 6 stable updates. Based on Android 14, One UI 6 will reach Galaxy A, Galaxy Z and Galaxy S smartphones, plus one Galaxy Tab tablet.

Alex Alderson, 13 Nov 2023 15:57

An alleged look at the Redmi K70. (Image source: Weibo via @stufflistings & @yabhishekhd)

Possible Xiaomi Redmi K70 and Redmi K70 Pro images surface online as executive teases late 2023 release

Xiaomi's CEO has started teasing the release of Redmi K70 smartphones, which is rumoured to launch globally in 2024 under the POCO F6 series. While the executive has hinted at a late 2023 release for the Redmi K70 series, images o...

Alex Alderson, 13 Nov 2023 14:43

The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, as imagined by @OnLeaks. (Image source: @OnLeaks & TheTechOutlook)

Samsung Galaxy A15 confirmed to launch with 5G MediaTek chipset

The Samsung Galaxy A15 has now surfaced on Geekbench, a few days after a leaker outlined various details about the upcoming handset. Not only does Geekbwnch appear to confirm which chipset underpins the Galaxy A14 successor, but i...

Alex Alderson, 13 Nov 2023 12:28

Oppo and Hasselblad renewed their collaboration at Paris Photo and presented the "HyperTone camera system" for smartphones.

Thanks to HyperTone 2024, Hasselblad cameras in smartphones are set to become even better, as sample photos suggest

In the course of the Paris Photo Exhibition last week, the cooperation between camera professionals from Hasselblad and smartphone manufacturers Oppo and OnePlus was renewed and taken to a new level. What we can expect in 2024 in ...

Alexander Fagot, 12 Nov 2023 22:18

iPhone 15 series rejuvenates US smartphone market in latest quarter

The US smartphone market grew by just over 20% in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the second, according to the latest industry research. This up-tick was attributed to the launch of the latest iPhone 15 series, which account...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 12 Nov 2023 18:17

A OnePlus 12 design leak. (Source: @OnLeaks x SmartPrix)

OnePlus 12 cleared for global launch in new leak

The OnePlus 12 is an upcoming flagship Android smartphone thought to launch with specific variants for the Chinese and international markets, even if they only differ in terms of model number. Now, the latter has appeared in what ...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 12 Nov 2023 17:10

Vivo X100 and X100 Pro tipped to bring MediaTek Dimensity 9300 to global market

The Vivo X100 and X100 Pro are upcoming premium Android smartphones that will be unleashed on markets outside China, according to a new leak. Furthermore, both devices might bring the all-new flagship-grade MediaTek Dimensity 9300...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 12 Nov 2023 16:34

If you want a small phone with a big zoom think again, you probably won't find one. (Source: Notebookcheck)

If you want a phone with a 5x zoom, make sure you’ve got big hands

What was once considered "big" in smartphone terms is now the norm in the industry. But one feature seems to be tied specificially to the size of the screen. If you don't like big phones, don't expect to be on the cutting edge of ...

David Devey, 12 Nov 2023 08:28