Smartphone

TIM and its partners claim to get high-speed 5G over this long-range connection. (Source: Qualcomm)

Qualcomm, TIM and Ericsson claim the new long-distance mmWave 5G world record

The Italian carrier TIM, Ericsson and Qualcomm have collaborated on a project to push millimeter-wave 5G reception beyond its current limits. This work has resulted in the ability to pick this signal up at high speed from 6.5 kilometers away. Then again, this was not done with smartphones, but rather with equipment for potential next-gen wireless broadband.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 04 Dec 2020 15:12

Samsung One UI 3.0 now available official launch December 3 2020 (Source: Samsung Global Newsroom)

Android 11-based Samsung One UI 3.0 is finally available

With "an exciting new design, enhanced everyday features and deep customization" in tow, the official launch of One UI 3 comes to Galaxy S20 series devices starting in Korea, the US, and most European markets. More regions and devices will follow in the coming weeks, while the Galaxy A handsets are scheduled to get it in the first half of 2021.

Codrut Nistor, 04 Dec 2020 13:42

The Xiaomi Redmi 10X 5G holds its own against other midrange smartphones, according to AnTuTu. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Huawei sits atop of AnTuTu November leaderboards, but the Xiaomi Redmi 10X 5G wins the midrange battle

Shortly before the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 hits the market, the HiSilicon Kirin 9000 and Snapdragon 865 can once again top the AnTuTu charts, while the MediaTek Dimensity 820 in the Xiaomi Redmi 10X 5G has been able to top the mid-range leaderboard.

Alex Alderson, 04 Dec 2020 13:39

Alleged Xiaomi Mi 11 photo. (Image Source: Weibo via Sparrows News)

Alleged Xiaomi Mi 11 live photo leaks showing off a likely 108 MP square triple-camera module

An alleged live image of Xiaomi's upcoming flagship, the Mi 11, is doing the rounds on the web. The image shows what appears to be a curved back and a square camera module housing three lenses. While the Mi 11's image looks very similar to the renders shown in leaked posters, there's a high chance it could be fake.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 04 Dec 2020 13:12

Very enduring thanks to its 5,000 mAh battery: The Samsung Galaxy A31

Samsung Galaxy A31: Affordable, with Super AMOLED, and long battery life

The Samsung website currently lists 15 smartphones that belong to the Galaxy A series. In terms of looks, the differences are sometimes marginal, but in terms of price and features, they are quite noticeable. We took a closer look at the Galaxy A31.

Mike Wobker, 04 Dec 2020 01:18

Xiaomi has some way to go before it finishes Round 2 of its global MIUI 12 release schedule. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi confirms that MIUI 12 is now available on over 30 smartphones

Xiaomi has been updating devices to MIUI 12 for months, having started with the Mi 9 and Redmi K20 series in June. Now, the company claims that MIUI 12 is available on more than 30 smartphones, but many remain adrift on MIUI 11.

Alex Alderson, 03 Dec 2020 22:02

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 888-powered Galaxy 21 has shown up on Geekbench

The Samsung Galaxy S21 shows up on Geekbench running a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888

An alleged Samsung Galaxy S21 Geekbench listing has surfaced online. It appears to be running the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888. The chipset gets a single-core score of 1,075 and a multi-core score of 2,916. While the former seems ok, the latter appears to be a tad low.

Anil Satyanarayana, 03 Dec 2020 21:30

ZTE announces a global launch for the Axon 20 5G

The Axon 20 5G was the first ever phone to launch with an under-display selfie camera. However, its maker ZTE has never made it available outside China. This will change, though, on December 21, 2020, when the OEM releases it to certain additional markets.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 03 Dec 2020 21:23

This series' processor could be getting a new vehicle soon. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung will launch a new Galaxy F-series phone with the Note 10's processor: new leak

According to the leaker Ishan Agarwal, Samsung will launch a phone called the Galaxy F62, or SM-E62F, soon. The same model number has subsequently popped up on Geekbench 5. It indicates that this device is powered by the Exynos 9825 - the same SoC found in the 2019 flagships the Galaxy Note 10 and 10+.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 03 Dec 2020 20:50

The Pixel 5 may have a hole for wireless charging, but it is still more structurally stable than its predecessor. (Image source: JerryRigEverything)

The Google Pixel 5 has a hole for wireless charging, but bio-resin saves the day

The Pixel 5 has a sizeable hole in its back panel, but JerryRigEverything has demonstrated that it is nothing to worry about. Instead, it turns out that the Pixel 5 is more resistant to being twisted and abused, despite its cut out for wireless charging. The bio-resin coating is much thicker than the coating on the Pixel 4 series, too.

Alex Alderson, 03 Dec 2020 20:31

Android 11 for the global version of the Mi 10 Pro is here. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Global Android 11 upgrade for MIUI 12 begins in earnest

Xiaomi has rolled out Android 11 to all Mi 10 Pro handsets globally. The update, V12.2.1.0.RJAMIXM, has passed Xiaomi's Beta Stable testing and will reach devices as an over-the-air (OTA) upgrade. The new update includes a few changes besides the upgrade to Android 11, too.

Alex Alderson, 03 Dec 2020 20:27

Here's what the Xiaomi Mi 11 and Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro may have in store for us

Alleged Xiaomi Mi 11 and Mi 11 Pro specifications surface on Weibo

Some Xiaomi Mi 11 and Mi 11 Pro specifications have shown up online. Both phones are tipped to come with a 1440p screen that refreshes at 120Hz. The Mi 11 Pro will allegedly support fast charging at 120W. Xiaomi is expected to unveil the Mi 11 series by the end of December 2020.

Anil Satyanarayana, 03 Dec 2020 11:01

Some lucky Galaxy S20 users have received the One UI 3.0 update on their devices

Stable One UI 3.0 update rolling out for the Samsung Galaxy 20 series on Verizon

Some Galaxy S20 users have reportedly received the One UI 3.0 update on their Samsung Galaxy S20 smartphones. The software gives several Stock apps a new look and comes with the October 2020 security patch. Other Galaxy S20 variants will likely receive the update in the coming weeks.

Anil Satyanarayana, 03 Dec 2020 07:14

Stylish yet expensive: iPhone 12 Pro Max. Think twice whether or not you may want to protect your investment

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max: Best Used with Case

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is a great smartphone with a new, fresh design. Its build quality remains superb yet fragile despite Ceramic Shield, and repairs are more expensive as well.

Florian Schmitt, 03 Dec 2020 02:29

Samsung updates the Galaxy S20 FE and S9 series with December 2020 security patches

The Galaxy S9 is a 2018 flagship. Nevertheless, its maker Samsung has reportedly updated it with the latest Android security patch. The more recent premium mid-ranger the Galaxy S20 FE has joined it in this respect.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 02 Dec 2020 22:59

Some iPhone 12s seem to have problems staying on 5G. (Source: Apple)

iPhone 12s on AT&T and Verizon are losing 5G signals in the US

Several iPhone 12-series device owners have taken to the Apple Support Community to complain that their new flagships are losing connectivity while using 5G networks. Many of them report that they are in the United States and are on the Verizon or AT&T networks, although one claims to be in Australia.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 02 Dec 2020 22:11

Some Oukitel WP10 features. (Source: Oukitel)

The Oukitel WP10 is a rugged 5G 8000mAh battery phone with a December 2020 sale coming up

The Oukitel WP10 as a rugged phone with a massive 8000mAh battery. It is powered by the Dimensity 800 processor, which also makes it 5G. It launched at a price of US$670, but has a promotional event coming up that will bring that price down to $400 soon.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 02 Dec 2020 21:18

It seems that Qualcomm has codenamed the Snapdragon 888 'lahaina'. (Image source: Qualcomm)

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 comes out swinging on Geekbench

Qualcomm only unveiled the Snapdragon 888 yesterday, but a new entry on Geekbench with the chipset has already appeared. The device is codenamed the Vivo V2056A, but it is not the only device on the benchmarking website to feature the new flagship SoC.

Alex Alderson, 02 Dec 2020 19:53

Over a dozen OEMs will release smartphones with the Snapdragon 888 chipset. (Image source: Qualcomm)

Qualcomm confirms that over a dozen OEMs will use the Snapdragon 888 in their smartphones

Consumers will be spoilt for choice over smartphones with the Snapdragon 888, according to Qualcomm. The new flagship chipset will feature in devices from at least thirteen OEMs, even from the likes of LG.

Alex Alderson, 02 Dec 2020 19:45

The Redmi Note 9 4G will arrive in India as the Redmi 9 Power. (Image source: Xiaomi)

The Xiaomi Redmi 9 Power will be India's answer to the Redmi Note 9 4G

Xiaomi has another smartphone release in India planned. This time it is a rebadged version of the Redmi Note 9 4G, which the company unveiled in China last month. The device will be sold as the Redmi 9 Power in India, according to the Google Play Console and an initial MIUI 12 build published by Xiaomi.

Alex Alderson, 02 Dec 2020 19:39

The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G offers a 108 MP camera. (Source: Xiaomi)

Redmi Note 9 4G, Redmi Note 9 5G, Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G earn Xiaomi a fortune with sales hitting an estimated US$59 million

Xiaomi launched a new trio of Redmi Note 9 series devices a few days ago. The phones look to have stunned commercially, with company man Lu Weibing announcing that over 300,000 units of the new phones were sold on day one.

Ricci Rox, 02 Dec 2020 19:38

Philips is pursuing legal action in India. (Source: Philips)

Philips takes legal action to prevent the sale of Xiaomi mobile devices in India

The electronics company Philips has petitioned the High Court of Delhi to block the sale, production or import of certain smartphones in India. Their OEM, Xiaomi, has been accused of infringing on Phliips' patents in making the devices in question. This case may result in financial penalties.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 02 Dec 2020 17:59

An affordable flagship from Motorola is coming in 2021

Motorola to release a Snapdragon 888-powered Moto G smartphone in 2021

Motorola is all set to launch a smartphone running Qualcomm's newest Snapdragon 888 SoC. Unlike the company's previous high-end offerings, this device will be released as a part of the Moto G series. The affordable flagship smartphone is likely to be unveiled in late 2021.

Anil Satyanarayana, 02 Dec 2020 17:06

The Galaxy Note series is on its way out, according to Reuters. (Image source: Samsung)

Reuters source confirms the end of the Samsung Galaxy Note series with no Galaxy Note 21 planned

A restructure of Samsung's flagship smartphones is afoot. Following multiple rumours concerning the end of the Galaxy Note series and the Galaxy Note21 being the last of its kind, Reuters now claims that Samsung will roll its S-Pen into the Galaxy S and Galaxy Z series, mothballing the Galaxy Note series in the process.

Alex Alderson, 02 Dec 2020 16:07

The Realme 'Race' will be released internationally. (Image source: GSMArena)

Realme 'Race' announced with Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 888 as design and specifications leak

Realme has announced its next flagship smartphone. Codename 'Race', the device will debut with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 chipset. Realme is quiet on details about the Race, but the design and some specifications have already leaked.

Alex Alderson, 02 Dec 2020 00:47

The Mi 11 will succeed the Mi 10. (Source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi announces the Mi 11 ahead of tipped January launch; to feature the new Snapdragon 888

Xiaomi has now officially announced its next-gen flagship phone, Mi 11. While details of the device remain unknown, the company confirmed that it will be powered by the all-new Snapdragon 888—Qualcomm's most powerful chipset yet. Launch is rumored for January 2021.

Ricci Rox, 01 Dec 2020 21:02

With its midrange P Smart 2021 smartphone, Huawei bets on a processor that was manufactured by a Chinese partner for the first time.

Huawei remains far behind its competitors: Kirin 710A not competitive in the test

With its first Chinese-manufactured SoC, Huawei did not prove to be competitive - at least not in the price range targeted by the Chinese manufacturer. Even the 230 Euros (~$275) recommended retail price for the P Smart 2021 are much too high for what you get. The potential of the chipset corresponds more to the current entry-level smartphones, and this dilemma may not change in the foreseeable future...

Marcus Herbrich, 01 Dec 2020 20:57

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 will power flagship smartphones in 2021

Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 launched with integrated X60 5G modem, better NPU, faster ISP, and more

Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 888 SoC is finally here. It comes with a new integrated 5G modem that supports both sub-6GHz and mmWave networks and an ISP that is up to 35% faster than its predecessor. The chipset is likely to make its debut alongside the Xiaomi Mi 11 series soon.

Anil Satyanarayana, 01 Dec 2020 16:25

The gaming market may stay quite healthy until at least 2025. (Source: Sony)

The gaming market is now estimated to be worth over US$256 billion by 2025

The latest market research reports on gaming worldwide indicate that this space has grown to about US$159 billion in 2020. Furthermore, this value is thought to grow to US$256.97 billion over the next 5 years. This may be influenced by factors that include cloud gaming, the rise of e-sports and the increased importance of in-place entertainments.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 01 Dec 2020 16:13

A render of the Galaxy S21 series, according to Ice Universe. (Image source: Ice Universe)

Samsung tipped to give the Galaxy S series a price cut for next year's S21, S21 Plus and S21 Ultra

Samsung is planning to drop the price of its Galaxy S series, according to reports from South Korea. The price cut will be effective across the Galaxy S series, with the S21, S21 Plus and S21 Ultra set to be US$100-US$150 cheaper than their predecessors. The reduction would mean that the Galaxy S21 series would start at US$850-US$899, rather than US$999.

Alex Alderson, 01 Dec 2020 15:34

ZTE launches a Blade 20 Pro 5G with the Snapdragon 765G processor

The Blade 20 Pro 5G is ZTE's latest smartphone. It is this OEM's take on the mid-range Snapdragon 765G-based device, having a waterdrop-notched-display and a 4000mAh battery. It also has a quad rear camera with a 64MP main sensor.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 01 Dec 2020 14:58

Apple's claims about its iPhones may not be entirely water-tight. (Source: Apple)

Apple is slapped with a ~US$12 million fine by Italian authorities

The Italian market-competition watchdog has reportedly fined Apple to the tune of €10 million, or nearly US$12 million. This action has resulted from what the body apparently views as “aggressive and misleading” advertising relating to iPhones and their water-resistant properties. This content may have been insufficient in its clarity in a way that may pose a risk to customer warranties.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 01 Dec 2020 14:31

The Mi A3 will likely be the last of its line. (Source: AndroidPit)

New updates arrive for the Mi A3 and Mi Mix 3 5G

Xiaomi is sending out the November security patch to its lineup and the update has now been received by owners of the Mi Mix 3 5G and Mi A3. For the Mix 3 5G, the update is going out to the European version of the device. For the Mi A3, however, it's been sent out to both the European and Global models.

Ricci Rox, 01 Dec 2020 08:10

The Galaxy Z Fold2 is among the most costly of flagships. (Source: Samsung)

The Galaxy Z Fold3 will cost roughly as much as the Z Fold2: new leak

The Galaxy Z Fold2 is Samsung's second-gen foldable flagship mobile device that launched for close to US$2,000. Now, a well-regarded leaker asserts that this will not change much with its next generation in 2021. This is particularly off-putting as its series is reportedly intended to replace the Galaxy Notes in the fullness of time.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 01 Dec 2020 00:51

V11.0.14.0.QDLMIXM should be reaching handsets over the next few days. (Image source: Xiaomi)

The Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite picks up a new update

The Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite has netted another update, this time one with the November 2020 security patch. V11.0.14.0.QDLMIXM is rolling out as an OTA for the Mi A2 Lite now.

Alex Alderson, 01 Dec 2020 00:29

The Galaxy A32 5G looks more refined than the current model. (Image source: Steve Hemmerstoffer)

Galaxy A32 5G leaked: Samsung gives its midrange smartphone a new design and 5G connectivity

A successor to the Galaxy A31 is already underway, called the Galaxy A32 5G. Samsung has given the entry-level Galaxy A handset a makeover while retaining the good selection of I/O that the Galaxy A31 offers, too.

Alex Alderson, 30 Nov 2020 23:43

Huawei has dropped support for multiple smartphones as of EMUI 11. (Image source: Huawei)

The EMUI 11 stable update is already arriving on some handsets ahead of schedule

Huawei has started rolling out stable EMUI 11 updates to some handsets, only a week after it announced its global upgrade plans. The stable update has arrived ahead of schedule too, which is always good to see.

Alex Alderson, 30 Nov 2020 22:53

A render of how the OnePlus 9 Pro could look. (Image source: ConceptCreator & LetsGoDigital)

OnePlus 9E: A new entry into the high-end OnePlus range billed to land alongside the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro next year

OnePlus apparently wants to further expand its flagship smartphone from range with a third model. A new report claims that this device is the OnePlus 9E, and it will arrive simultaneously with the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro. Apparently, the OnePlus 9E will be more premium than the current OnePlus Nord series.

Alex Alderson, 30 Nov 2020 20:37

Only five Xperia smartphones will be upgraded to Android 11. (Image source: Sony)

Sony announces Android 11 upgrade plans: Only the Xperia 1 II will receive OS upgrade before 2021

Sony has announced its plans to release Android 11 to its Xperia smartphones. Only five devices appear to be eligible for the OS upgrade, from the Xperia 5 to the Xperia 1 II and the Xperia 10 II thrown in for good measure. The rollout will begin from next month, but only for the Xperia 1 II. All other devices must wait until 2021 for Android 11.

Alex Alderson, 30 Nov 2020 20:25

Rumor | The OPPO Ace series will get a new generation in 2021, but it will be launched by Realme instead

The Ace2 is a 2020 flagship smartphone with up to 40W wireless charging. It was made by OPPO - but its successor won't be. The eminent leaker Digital Chat Station asserts that the series has been adopted by this OEM's sister company Realme instead, which will continue its tradition of top-end processors combined with interesting features.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 30 Nov 2020 18:55

The Nokia 5.4's price may have been revealed already. (Source: Aus Shop IT)

A new leak spills potential pricing info for the upcoming Nokia 5.4

An earlier leak has hinted that Nokia has a successor to the mid-range 5.3 in the works that might launch before the end of the year. However, it failed to mention how much this putative phone might cost. Now, however, Australian retailers have posted pages for this device with this information in their currency.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 30 Nov 2020 18:16

The Android 11 update for MIUI 12 is now arriving on some global devices. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi details the features that Android 11 brings to MIUI 12 as the Mi 10 Pro and Poco F2 Pro receive OS upgrade globally

The global versions of the Mi 10 Pro and Poco F2 Pro have begun to receive Xiaomi's Android 11 upgrade. The devices are some of the first to taste the OS upgrade outside of China, along with the Mi 10. Xiaomi has detailed some of the features that it has introduced to MIUI 12 as of Android 11, too.

Alex Alderson, 30 Nov 2020 16:40

The Samsung Galaxy Note 21 may still be launched after all

Samsung may launch one Galaxy Note 21 variant before retiring the series in 2022

A company insider has told a South Korean news outlet that Samsung plans on releasing one last Galaxy Note smartphone before retiring the series entirely in 2022. The Galaxy Note 21 will come in only one variant, presumably top-of-the-line hardware like the Exynos 2100/Snapdragon 875, an AMOLED panel that can push 120Hz at 1440p, and more.

Anil Satyanarayana, 30 Nov 2020 16:11

The Baseus GaN charger series. (Source: Baseus)

Baseus introduces a 120W GaN Quick Charger

Baseus has launched a series of new slim, high-tech third-party chargers equipped with gallium nitride (GaN) technology. One of them is rated to charge 2 devices at up to 60 watts (W) at once. This may make it a good companion for laptops such as the MacBook Pro.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 29 Nov 2020 21:50

A new leak asserts an imminent launch for the Nokia 5.4

Nokia launched its mid-range 5.3 in March 2020. However, a new leak alleges that an upgrade for this phone is already prepared for launch, which it may do alongside the 7.3. The phone is thought to have quad rear cameras, although its display and storage options may be a departure from its predecessor.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 29 Nov 2020 16:56