Smartphone

The faded (PRODUCT) RED iPhone SE 2 belonging to Ben Geskin's wife. (Image: @BenGeskin)

Some iPhone 11 and 12 owners complaining of color fading issues, other red iPhone models could be among those affected

Some iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 users are reporting issues with the color fading on their devices. At this stage, Apple is reportedly not treating the issue as a fault, but the result of normal wear and tear.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 16 Mar 2021 10:27

The Mi A3 is now receiving the March security update around the world

The Xiaomi Mi A3 is now receiving a new update. The OTA delivers the March security update and manages not to include any bugs—a thankful achievement considering Xiaomi's track record with Android One updates. It's also being sent out globally at the moment.

Ricci Rox, 16 Mar 2021 10:05

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G: One of the few alternatives with an LCD panel

The Samsung Galaxy A32 is one of the few 5G smartphones that uses a flicker-free LC display. This might have some drawbacks, but it's also a concession made to customers who have problems with OLEDs.

Daniel Schmidt, 16 Mar 2021 00:29

HMD Global is expected to launch the Nokia G10 soon

New leak says that the Nokia G10 is not a gaming smartphone, but an entry-level device

It turns out that Nokia's upcoming 'gaming smartphone' is little more than a budget device. The Nokia G10 will feature a 6.3-inch FHD+ screen, up to 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, four rear cameras and a 5,000mAh battery. It is expected to cost around EUR 139 (US$165) at launch.

Anil Satyanarayana, 15 Mar 2021 23:04

The Mi 11 Lite 5G may launch for €349, like its predecessor. (Image source: Digital Chat Station)

Retailer hints at Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G European launch price

The Mi 10 Lite started at €349 last year, and there are indications that its successor may launch for the same price. The Mi 11 Lite 5G should be joined by a 4G model too, which would probably be even cheaper.

Alex Alderson, 15 Mar 2021 22:53

The US Defense Department has been blocked from imposing sanctions on Xiaomi. (Image source: Weibo)

Xiaomi wins court injunction again US investment ban

A US court has averted the threat of Xiaomi being frozen out of future US investment. A final verdict on the case is yet to be delivered, but the judge has already hinted at a complete withdrawal of the US ban. Xiaomi insists that it has no ties to the Chinese military.

Alex Alderson, 15 Mar 2021 19:56

The Mi 10S has surfaced on the Google Play Console. (Image source: Xiaomi)

The Xiaomi Mi 10S lands on the Google Play Console with a processor upgrade

Last week, Xiaomi released the Mi 10S, albeit only in China. The device's appearance on the Google Play Console implies that an international release is impending, though. However, the listing suggests that Xiaomi has given the international version an SoC upgrade over the Snapdragon 870 that it has included in the Chinese model.

Alex Alderson, 15 Mar 2021 19:46

Honor could launch a new high-end smartphone in July 2021

Snapdragon 888 powered Honor smartphone reportedly in the works

Industry insiders suggest that Honor is working on a flagship smartphone powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 SoC. It could be the Honor 40, and it is expected to arrive in July. However, the global Snapdragon 888 shortage could be hinder Honor's plans.

Anil Satyanarayana, 15 Mar 2021 19:30

The Vivo X60 Pro Plus might launch again soon. (Source: Weibo)

New Vivo leaks may raise hopes of a fresh Snapdragon 888-powered phone for international markets

The list of Android flagship phones with the latest Snapdragon 888 SoC is slowly yet steadily growing, although not all of them are available globally. New leaks suggest the Vivo X60 Pro Plus, one such premium device launched in partnership with Zeiss, will make it to international shores soon.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 15 Mar 2021 18:01

The 8T has its first Open Beta. (Source: OnePlus)

OnePlus announces an Open Beta Android update program for the 8T

OnePlus will replace the 8T as its newest flagship soon. However, the OEM has news for those who would prefer to stick with the phone: it is now part of the Open Beta project at the company. This channel of new Android updates might unlock access to new features before they hit the "normal" stable versions.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 15 Mar 2021 17:25

Is this the Motorola Edge S? Maybe not... (Source: TechnikNews)

Moto G100: a new leak may confirm the upcoming phone is a global version of the Motorola Edge S

A blog has posted new renders of what is claimed to be the rumored Moto G100, quite possibly the 2021 flagship of this well-known smartphone series. Should this be the case, it looks exactly like the Edge S that has been released to the Chinese market. Therefore, the phones could share a high-end Snapdragon 870 chipset and 64MP quad rear cameras.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 15 Mar 2021 16:54

A second-gen Warp Wireless Charger may be on the way. (Source: OnePlus)

Rumor | The OnePlus 9 Pro will debut with 50W wireless charging

OnePlus’ upcoming top-end smartphone is now known to have new rear cameras tuned by Hasselblad. A new tip asserts the OEM has not forgotten the rest of its premium aspects either: its wireless charging is allegedly boosted all the way to 50 watts (W). This would be a considerable improvement over the 30W spec in the 8 Pro.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 14 Mar 2021 17:23

Realme announces the GT's first sales milestone. (Source: Weibo)

Realme GT: the new Snapdragon 888 flagship makes ~US$15 million on its first 10 seconds on the market

Realme's latest flagship is the GT 5G, a phone geared toward performance, speed and those who like the option of vegan leather finishes. The OEM has announced that its first open sale netted the company 100 million yuan (~US$15 million) within the first 10 seconds of its first open sale. Meanwhile, its upcoming Neo variant may have leaked with a curved display.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 14 Mar 2021 15:08

OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro make their appearance on Geekbench. (Image Source: OnePlus)

OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro surface on Geekbench, shown to feature 12 GB RAM

The OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro powered by the Snapdragon 888 have been spotted on the Geekbench benchmarking site with scores in line with what can be expected from Qualcomm's flagship SoC. The OnePlus 9 series will officially launch on March 23 and will feature camera tech made in collaboration with Hasselblad.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 13 Mar 2021 16:52

The "OPPO foldable" may or may not look like this. (Source: OPPO)

Rumor | OPPO will launch its inaugural foldable phone in the next few months

OPPO has just launched its "conventional" Android flagship phones for 2021. However, the prolific leaker Digital Chat Station now asserts it has something much more "interesting" to debut in this year's impending second quarter (2Q2021). This, apparently, will be its first-gen foldable-display phone.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 13 Mar 2021 16:45

A successor to this phone might be on the way. (Source: Asus)

Asus will launch the ZenFone 8 Flip soon, according to a new leak

Google's ARCore has added a new device called the ZenFone 8 Flip to its certification database. Therefore, it seems a new generation of Asus' innovative swivel-cam flagship Android phones is on the way. It is thought to be accompanied by a Mini variant, although that one has failed to materialize in this new leak.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 13 Mar 2021 16:16

The 6.43-inch Oppo Find X3 Lite starts at an MSRP of 449 Euros (~$536) - hopefully with a fast downward trend.

Oppo Find X3 Lite: The smallest and most affordable model in Oppo's new flagship family

The Oppo Find X3 Lite is entering the highly competitive mid-range. This means that a good configuration is a must. The manufacturer is also aware of that and equips its 6.43-inch device with the Snapdragon 765G, a 90 Hz OLED panel, and a 65-watt power adapter.

Manuel Masiero, 13 Mar 2021 13:30

The LG V60 ThinQ is slowly starting to receive Android 11 globally. (Image source: LG)

Android 11 makes its debut on the LG V60 ThinQ in Europe

Android 11 has arrived for the LG V60 ThinQ in Europe. The update has arrived for the LMV600EA variant, which LG also sells in South Africa and Taiwan.

Alex Alderson, 12 Mar 2021 19:52

The Huawei P50 is smaller than the P50 Pro, and has a flat display. (Image source: OnLeaks)

Leaked Huawei P50 renders position it as a smaller alternative to the P50 Pro with a flat display

The Huawei P50 series is expected to debut next month, comprising at least the P50 and the P50 Pro. Ahead of next month's anticipated release, OnLeaks has published CAD renders of the P50, detailing its differences compared to the P50 Pro.

Alex Alderson, 12 Mar 2021 19:40

The OnePlus Watch may arrive later this month as two models. (Image source: OnePlus)

OnePlus confirms that the OnePlus Watch will launch on March 23; 120 Hz display and LPDDR5 RAM for the OnePlus 9 series

The OnePlus Watch is official, and OnePlus will be launching it on March 23. The company has offered the briefest of teasers so far, but it has provided even more details about the OnePlus 9 series.

Alex Alderson, 12 Mar 2021 19:33

Rumor | Nokia is working on a 108MP penta-cam phone with a 120Hz display and the Snapdragon 775 chipset

Nokia is now said to have a phone that integrates a high-end 108MP sensor into its signature penta-cam design in development. However, as it is also now supposed to have a mid-range Qualcomm 5G chipset, this may suggest an upgrade for the 8.3 5G rather than an outright flagship. Then again, the upcoming device is also rumored to have a premium 120Hz display.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 12 Mar 2021 19:26

Qualcomm is struggling to manufacture enough Snapdragon 888 chips to keep up with demand

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 is the global semiconductor shortage's newest victim

Several sources familiar with the matter have told Reuters that Qualcomm is unable to keep up with the demand for its flagship Snapdragon 888 chipset. Xiaomi CEO Lu Weibing also echoes the sentiment, as does Qualcomm chief Cristiano Amon.

Anil Satyanarayana, 12 Mar 2021 18:58

Motorola's Ibiza might arrive soon. (Source: TechnikNews)

The Motorola Moto G50 could debut in Europe soon with a 90Hz display, Android 11 and 5G for just under US$280

A Spanish electronics website has posted a new listing for the Moto G50, also known as the XT2137-1 - or the rumored Motorola "Ibiza", in other words. It confirms various other details from this device's earlier leaks, RAM and storage specs included. This new preliminary sales page may indicate that the European smartphone market might get a new budget 5G option soon.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 12 Mar 2021 18:49

Xiaomi is expected to launch the Mi 11 Lite 5G in six colours. (Image source: Digital Chat Station)

Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G colour and memory configuration options leaked as the mid-range device passes through the TENAA

The TENAA has certified the Mi 11 Lite 5G, bringing the upcoming mid-range smartphone even closer to release. Additionally, the device's colour and memory configurations have been leaked, including green, yellow and pink variants.

Alex Alderson, 12 Mar 2021 17:00

It looks increasingly likely that a compact ZenFone will be arriving this year. (Image source: ASUS)

Leaked ASUS ZenFone 8 Mini specifications point to a 5.9-inch and 120 Hz OLED display with a Snapdragon 888 SoC

ASUS may have just released the ROG Phone 5, but there are signs that the company is gearing to announce the ZenFone 8 series. While it looks like the ZenFone 8 could have a 6.67-inch, it may be joined by a 5.9-inch model with a 120 Hz display. ASUS has reportedly equipped the so-called ZenFone 8 Mini with a Snapdragon 888 SoC, too.

Alex Alderson, 12 Mar 2021 15:04

An x-ray of an iPhone 12 showing internal packaging including the battery. (Image: Creative Electron)

Apple patents point to larger batteries in future iPhones by eliminating wasted space and using anti-swelling tech

Two newly discovered Apple patents reveal how the company may be working to improve the battery life of its devices. One seeks to eliminate potential wasted space inside an iPhone while the other would utilize smart technologies to control battery swelling.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 12 Mar 2021 11:07

The new ROG Phone design. (Source: Asus)

Asus ROG Phone: a next generation allegedly surfaces right after the current 5 series' launch

The ROG Phone 5 has now descended on the Android gaming scene, with its super-powered Pro and Ultimate variants for good measure. However, a tech blog claims to have found what could be their successor on the Bluetooth SIG certification website already. Then again, the evidence of this unusually advanced leak is now nowhere to be found.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 11 Mar 2021 23:14

ZTE Axon 30 Pro: new leaks hint at a "Trinity" of high-end cameras for the upcoming flagship smartphone

ZTE has already confirmed that it will launch the Axon 30 Pro 5G as its 2021 flagship Android smartphone. Its latest teaser for this device introduces a new "Trinity" tag-line, which apparently refers to its rear cameras. Therefore, they might consist of a triple array made up of identical (or very similar) high-end sensors.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 11 Mar 2021 22:00

Wild Hunt is now playable via GeForce NOW. (Source: NVIDIA)

GeForce NOW adds streaming support for the GOG versions of four Witcher-series titles

Today (March 11, 2021) is a Thursday, which means it's time for new games in. the GeForce NOW library. This week, the streaming service has added 4 The Witcher-series games, which are, moreover, those of the GOG variety. Pascal's Wager (Definitive Edition) is another new entry on the cloud-gaming platform.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 11 Mar 2021 21:09

The POCO X3 Pro may feature the irresistible combination of a Snapdragon 8xx SoC and a 120 Hz AMOLED display but for an affordable price. (Image source: Xiaomi)

POCO X3 Pro outed with a Snapdragon 860 SoC, a 5,160 mAh battery and a 120 Hz AMOLED display; Xiaomi could be re-using components from the Redmi Note 10 series

Xiaomi has packed the POCO X3 Pro full of high-end components, if a new leak is to be believed. Apparently, the POCO X3 Pro will have a Snapdragon 860 SoC, a 120 Hz AMOLED display and a 5,160 mAh battery. The POCO X3 Pro is thought to have four cameras too, although none will support OIS.

Alex Alderson, 11 Mar 2021 18:33

The Snapdragon 870-powered OPPO Find X3 is here, but it's also exclusive to the Chinese market

Today, (March 11, 2021) OPPO has unveiled its Find X3 Pro, X3 Neo and X3 Lite, complete with European pricing. This might leave some consumers wondering where the vanilla X3 went during all this. Well, it does exist, and has the same high-end display and cameras as the Pro, but is only available to pre-order in China.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 11 Mar 2021 15:30

Oppo has launched two new mid-range smartphones as a part of the Find X3 series

Oppo Find X3 Neo and Find X3 Lite launched as low-cost Find X3 Pro alternatives

Oppo's newly-launched Find X3 Neo and Find X3 Lite are low-cost alternatives to the costlier Pro model. They come with FHD+ OLED screens clocked at 90Hz, quad rear cameras, support for 65W fast charging, and more. Both phones will be up for pre-order starting March 18, with sales starting on April 1.

Anil Satyanarayana, 11 Mar 2021 14:30

The Oppo Find X3 Pro is finally here with some impressive specifications

Oppo Find X3 Pro launched with QHD+ 120Hz AMOLED screen, 50MP quad-rear cameras, Snapdragon 888 SoC, and more

Oppo's first flagship smartphone of 2021 is finally here in the form of the Oppo Find X3 Pro. Some of its specifications include a 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED screen clocked at 120Hz, four rear cameras, a 4,500mAh battery that supports 65W fast charging, and more. It will be available for pre-order on March 18 for EUR 1,149 (US$1,275)

Anil Satyanarayana, 11 Mar 2021 13:27

Android One and a dedicated Google Assistant button are all that separate the Nokia 5.4 from the rest of the mid-range competition.

The latest Android One smartphone from HMD Global, Nokia 5.4, shows how not to do product maintenance

The Nokia 5.4 is a rather unusual update of the Nokia 5.3. Usually, new smartphones are faster and bigger than the predecessor, but the latest mid-range smartphone from HMD Global is not…

Marcus Herbrich, 11 Mar 2021 13:07

MKBHD has already got his hands on the OnePlus 9 Pro and has offered a look at its Pro camera mode. (Image source: MKBHD)

OnePlus showcases OnePlus 9 Pro camera samples as OnePlus 9 series marketing images leak

OnePlus has unveiled yet more camera specifications about the OnePlus 9 series. However, leaked marketing renders suggest that OnePlus has used a plastic frame on the OnePlus 9. The OnePlus 9 will have a flat display though, unlike the curved OnePlus 9 Pro.

Alex Alderson, 11 Mar 2021 12:49

Samsung teases its next Unpacked Event. (Source: YouTube)

Samsung announces a new Galaxy Awesome Unpacked event set for March 17, 2021

Samsung has never conducted an "Awesome" Unpacked Event before - however, it now seems that is going to change in 2021. The inaugural edition of this kind of launch will take place via YouTube on March 17. It is thought to introduce at least 1 new member of the Galaxy A series to the world.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 11 Mar 2021 00:00

This is what the Huawei P50 Pro's rear panel could look like

New leak portrays the Huawei P50 Pro's rear panel in an entirely new light

Some new Huawei P50 Pro renders have emerged online, thanks to @OnLeaks. It shows two ultra-large camera cutouts, one of which could likely be the 50MP Sony IMX 800 sensor. The leak also tells us that the smartphone will come with a 6.7-inch screen, two speakers, and an IR blaster.

Anil Satyanarayana, 10 Mar 2021 23:47

The POCO X3 Pro will probably arrive on March 30. (Image source: Nasi Lemak Tech)

POCO X3 Pro launch teased for March 30; starting price tipped for €250

POCO's first 'Pro' smartphone of 2021 is set to arrive on March 30, the company has teased. The device is expected to launch in three colours and two configurations for up to €300.

Alex Alderson, 10 Mar 2021 20:52

Xiaomi is looking for Mi Pilot testers for another 21 smartphones. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi announces Mi Pilot testing program for MIUI 12.5 on 21 devices

Xiaomi has started recruiting another batch of pilot testers for MIUI 12.5. The program is open for 21 recent smartphones, including the Mi 11, Mi 10, Mi 9, Mi 9 SE, the Redmi K20 Pro, Redmi Note 8 Pro and the Redmi Note 9T, among others.

Alex Alderson, 10 Mar 2021 20:14

The LG Wing will remain on Android 10 until the end of 2021, at least in Germany. (Image source: LG)

LG does nothing to dispel its terrible reputation for delivering updates with its latest Android 11 roadmap

LG has published another Android 11 roadmap, this time for Germany. Only two devices, the Velvet 5G and G8X will receive the OS upgrade before Q3 2021. Additionally, the LG Wing must wait until Q4 2021 at the earliest for Android 11, which will be long after Google releases Android 12.

Alex Alderson, 10 Mar 2021 19:58

The Mi Mix 3 may be out of luck when it comes to an official Android 11 update. (Image source: Xiaomi)

The Mi Mix 3 may have been overlooked by Xiaomi for Android 11 after one OS upgrade

Xiaomi has a good record for updating its smartphones, but that record does not stretch to the Mi Mix 3. Unfortunately, it seems that the device has been bypassed for an Android 11 upgrade too, despite being released on Android 9.0 Pie.

Alex Alderson, 10 Mar 2021 19:24

The Galaxy Note 9 can now run One UI 3.1 thanks to Noble ROM. (Image source: Samsung)

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 can now be upgraded to One UI 3.1 and Android 11

The Galaxy Note 9 can now be upgraded to One UI 3.1 and Android 11 thanks to a new custom ROM. Called Noble ROM, the ROM is available for Exynos versions of the Galaxy Note 9, including the dual-SIM edition. The ROM is the first opportunity to run One UI 3.1 on the former flagship smartphone.

Alex Alderson, 10 Mar 2021 18:56

The Moto G10 Power is unleashed. (Source: Motorola)

The Moto G10 Power offers a 6,000mAh battery for less than US$140 to Indian customers

Motorola has launched the G10 Power, a 6,000mAh Android 11 smartphone, in India. Its 6.5-inch HD+ Max Vision display is driven by a Snapdragon 460 SoC, paired to 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. It will be available via Flipkart from March 16, 2021, and will start at INR 9,999 (~US$137) on that date.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 10 Mar 2021 18:54

Will the Galaxy A82 be anything like its forebear? (Source: Samsung)

Samsung's Galaxy A82 5G will launch soon, as confirmed by the Bluetooth SIG

Recent leaks have raised the possibility that Samsung is preparing a successor to its unusual flip-camera phone, the Galaxy A80. Now, a new addition to the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (Bluetooth SIG) database provides proof that this device exists. It is thus almost certain to launch soon, with 5G and other forms of high-end wireless connectivity to boot.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 10 Mar 2021 17:55

A mock-up of how the Pixel 5 would look with a centred hole punch. (Image source: eBay - modified)

Google Pixel 6 camera and display details leak; more information revealed about the Pixel 5a too

The latest version of Google's camera app contains clues about two of its upcoming Pixel smartphones. Next up for Google is the Pixel 5a, which is supposedly due for release this summer. However, the app also contains information on the Pixel 6 about its cameras and display.

Alex Alderson, 10 Mar 2021 14:15

Samsung may release two editions of the next Galaxy Z Fold. (Image source: Ben Geskin)

The next Samsung Galaxy Z Fold will be lighter and thinner than the Z Fold2 thanks to display and hinge refinements; Z Fold3 Pro a possibility too

More details have emerged about the next Galaxy Z Fold, presumably called the Galaxy Z Fold3 or the Galaxy Z Fold 3. According to a new report, the third-generation foldable smartphone will be thinner and lighter than the Galaxy Z Fold2, in part because of a redesigned hinge and a new display. There may even be a Galaxy Z Pro model this year, too.

Alex Alderson, 10 Mar 2021 14:12

The Expand X comes with a special hinge that flips out to support phones, tablets or handheld consoles. (Image Source: Beelink)

Turn your mobile devices into desktop PCs with the Beelink Expand X dock

When the screen on your smartphone proves too small for productivity tasks, you can just use the new Beelink Expand X dock to hook your mobile device to a PC monitor and a keyboard / mouse setup. You can also watch movies from the phone or even play handheld console games on a big 4K TV through the included HDMI connector.

Bogdan Solca, 10 Mar 2021 12:49