Smartphone

At least one Galaxy S21 series device will come with a BOE-made display

Galaxy S21 likely to come with BOE a panel instead of Samsung's in-house offering

Samsung is reportedly in talks with Chinese display maker BOE to source some panels for its upcoming Galaxy S21 series. The news confirms an earlier report which suggested that at least one device in the series would come with a B...

Anil Satyanarayana, 20 May 2020 19:47

Looks like the ROG Phone II is about to be supplanted. (Source: Asus)

The Asus ROG Phone 3 may have been spotted on Geekbench

A device listed as the ASUS_I003DD has just been spotted on the Geekbench 5 website. As this company's gaming phone's 2nd generation was the I001Dx, it is possible that the 2020 ROG Phone has finally broken cover. This model numbe...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 20 May 2020 17:46

A new render for the Huawei Enjoy Z. (Source: Weibo)

The Huawei Enjoy Z may run on the Dimensity 800 SoC on its May 2020 launch

Enjoy is a series of affordable smartphones from Huawei that is now rumored to add a new 5G model to its ranks. Therefore, one might expect it to have the OEM's in-house Kirin 820 chipset. However, leaks point to a MediaTek Dimens...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 20 May 2020 17:07

Meizu 17 series phones are now on par with Samsung and OnePlus

Latest firmware update unlocks 120Hz refresh rate for Meizu 17 and Meizu 17 Pro

The Meizu 17 and 17 Pro users can now operate their screens at 120Hz, thanks to a firmware update. It also adds more DC dimming options and adds HDR support. The software is rolling out in batches, and will be available to eligibl...

Anil Satyanarayana, 20 May 2020 16:44

The latest SD Express 8.0 specs allow for transfer speeds of up to 4 GB/s. (Image Source: thanhnien.vn)

SD Express 8.0 specs released, 4 GB/s transfer speeds now possible for SD cards

The updated specs allow transfer speeds of up to 4 GB/s, which is essentially half of what computer PCIe NVMe SSDs can achieve, since the SD cards are only limited to X2 lanes instead of X4. Nevertheless, with the new version, upc...

Bogdan Solca, 20 May 2020 15:19

The Redmi Note 8 is currently one of the world's best-selling smartphones. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Redmi Note 8 Pro devices could start receiving MIUI 12 in July while Redmi Note 8 and Redmi Note 8T users will likely have to wait until at least August

It has been reported that Redmi Note 8 smartphones will be receiving the MIUI 12 software update within the next few months. According to a well-known tipster, the Redmi Note 8 Pro could receive MIUI 12 by July with the Redmi Note...

Daniel R Deakin, 20 May 2020 11:43

The Vivo X50 Pro features a massive 50MP Samsung ISOCELL GN1 sensor (Image source: @UniverseIce)

Vivo X50 Pro renders leak: catch your first glimpse of the giant Samsung 50 MP ISOCELL GN1 Tetracell binning image sensor on this Snapdragon 768 5G phone

Tipster @UniverseIce revealed what appear to be official renders of the Vivo X50 Pro, an upcoming midrange smartphone set to feature Samsung's ISOCELL GN1 50 MP camera sensor.

Arjun Krishna Lal, 20 May 2020 09:41

The Google Pixel 5 could have a US$699 price tag. (Image Source: Jon Prosser, Front Page Tech)

"Premium" Google Pixel 5 powered by Snapdragon 765G could be priced at US$699: Is Google shooting itself in the foot or is the pricing just about right?

The upcoming Google Pixel 4a and Pixel 5 could be priced at US$349 and US$699, respectively as indicated by a recent Google Opinion Rewards survey. While the Pixel 4a pricing makes it a good alternative to the iPhone SE 2020, it r...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 20 May 2020 02:33

Xperia 1 II: Carrier confirms release date of Sony's much-anticipated flagship

The Sony Xperia 1 II looks to be the perfect flagship for some, but three months after it was announced, it still isn't available for purchase. That's about to change, though, as the phone has now been confirmed to go on sale on M...

Ricci Rox, 19 May 2020 21:29

Is this the Realme X3 SuperZoom? (Source: TechHangOut)

New alleged live images may confirm the 'Zoom' in "Realme X3 SuperZoom"

Realme is currently believed to update its X series with a variant that may sell based on the periscope-lens spec of its rear camera array. A Thai blog has recently claimed to have obtained photos of a real-world unit of this phon...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 19 May 2020 21:20

Vivo X50 Pro will come with Samsung's new camera sensor

Vivo X50 Pro will be the world's first smartphone to feature Samsung's 50MP ISOCELL GN1 sensor

Samsung's latest 50MP camera sensor will reportedly make its debut alongside the upcoming Vivo X50 Pro. The phone is rumored to come with ''gimbal-like stabilization", according to some promo material.

Anil Satyanarayana, 19 May 2020 21:10

The 'Sony pop-out speaker phone'. (Source: WIPO via LetsGoDigital)

Sony patents the pop-out camera/speaker phone

According to a new document reportedly filed with the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO), Sony has invented a phone that has pop-up modules at both its top and bottom edges. These additional parts span the short edges of th...

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 May 2020 20:37

IFA 2020 will go ahead, but not as normal. (Source: IFA)

IFA 2020 will take place live in Berlin, just not as we know it

A number of annual conferences and showcases have had to either shut down or move online from their traditional real-world venues in 2020. IFA has just announced that its own flagship expo is not to be among them. However, due to ...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 19 May 2020 19:50

MIUI 12 will start making its way to eligible devices this June

MIUI 12 global rollout to commence in June; Redmi K20 and Mi 9 to get the update first

Xiaomi has just unveiled the global roadmap for MIUI 12. The rollout will begin in June, and the software will make its way to the Redmi K20 and Mi 9 series first. Other devices will get the update later. Additionally, beta buil...

Anil Satyanarayana, 19 May 2020 18:00

The Honor Play 4T's new retail listing. (Source: Vmall)

Honor's Play series of phones gets even more budget with a new 4T SKU

The 4T is a recent addition to the Honor Play line of smartphones with an HD+ screen and dual rear cameras. It launched at just 1199 yuan (~US$169) on the Chinese market. However, there is now another, even cheaper, variant of thi...

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 May 2020 15:58

The Z1 also has a One Piece-themed special edition. (Source: XDA)

The iQOO Z1 launches, offering the new Dimensity 1000+ SoC and premium specs starting at about US$309

The iQOO Z1 is now up for pre-order in its initial market, China. Unlike this brand's last high-end mobile device, it runs on the refreshed MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ processor. However, the rest of its specs remain very similar to ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 May 2020 15:30

2020's Samsung Galaxy A70 might feature OIS (Image source: Samsung)

2020's Samsung Galaxy A50 and Galaxy A70 could get cameras with optical image stabilization, but the iPhone SE 2 already delivers it

According to a report accessed by SamMobile, Samsung's Galaxy A series smartphones could feature optical image stabilization (OIS) technology this year.

Arjun Krishna Lal, 19 May 2020 14:20

The Redmi AirDots S TWS earbuds have 7.2 mm audio drivers. (Image source: Giztop).

Redmi AirDots S TWS earbuds or Redmi Soundbar 2.0 most likely candidates as Xiaomi hints at new audio product for Indian market

Redmi India has been teasing a wireless personal audio product that will soon be launching on the Indian market. Fans of the brand have been guessing what the device could be, with Redmi AirDots S TWS earbuds and the Redmi Soundba...

Daniel R Deakin, 19 May 2020 14:12

Why the Chinese manufacturer would re-release the P smart Z is quite incomprehensible to us.

Opinion: Huawei, it is time to stop releasing old smartphone under a new name

Our review of the Huawei P smart Pro leaves a lot of questions unanswered. We do really have to wonder why the Chinese manufacturer released, for the second time, a year-old Huawei smartphone in which the only thing that changed w...

Marcus Herbrich, 19 May 2020 10:50

The Realme Narzo 10 delivers a Helio G80 and 48MP camera for less than US$160 (Image source: Realme)

Over 70,000 Realme Narzo 10 units sold within the first 128 seconds of the 48MP quad-camera phone's launch: A new Mediatek G80-powered US$160 competitor for the Redmi Note 9?

Realme CEO Madhav Sheth claimed that the brand's latest budget smartphone, the Realme Narzo 10, sold over 70,000 units just two minutes after it was launched. The Mediatek Helio G80 powered device goes head to head with the Redmi ...

Arjun Krishna Lal, 19 May 2020 08:26

Samsung Galaxy Note 20+ to feature a 108 MP camera, tackle focusing issues with new hardware

The Galaxy S20 Ultra may flaunt some impressive camera hardware but the effectiveness of its 108 MP sensor has been hampered by focusing issues. Reportedly, the Galaxy Note 20+ will also sport that same sensor, but with new hardwa...

Ricci Rox, 19 May 2020 07:10

Redmi Note 9 Pro Killer? Honor X10 to offer a Kirin 820, 90 Hz display, and a camera akin to that of the Mate 20 Pro

Huawei is set to launch its next mid-range phone shortly. Details of the Honor X10 have now been revealed, with notable features including the giant-slaying Kirin 820, a 90 Hz display, pop-up camera, and a main camera sensor based...

Ricci Rox, 18 May 2020 22:13

The LG G7 ThinQ and V50S ThinQ have now started receiving Android 10. (Image source: LG via GSMArena)

LG begins upgrading the G7 ThinQ and V50S ThinQ to Android 10

The LG G7 ThinQ and V50S ThinQ have started receiving their first taste of Android 10. Rolled out to carrier unlocked handsets, the OS upgrades will arrive as OTA downloads.

Alex Alderson, 18 May 2020 18:11

Huawei's already tenuous grip on its smartphone business looks like it might have been properly cut off by the US this time. (Source: Huawei)

US ban bites: TSMC said to cut off Huawei Kirin SoC orders

Things continue to go from bad to worse for Chinese telecoms and smartphone giant Huawei. The US recently extended its ban on the company for another 12 months with some new clauses that also target its ability to use chips that m...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 18 May 2020 14:19

An optimized version of Fortnite is planned for the PS5 and Xbox Series X. (Image source: Epic)

Epic has given away over US$2,000 worth of free games since 2018 but fortunately has now made more than US$1 billion with Fortnite mobile

A report has estimated that the Epic Games Store has given out more than US$2,000 worth of free games to subscribers since December 2018. Over 100 titles have been offered gratis, with GTA V being the latest. Fortunately for Epic,...

Daniel R Deakin, 18 May 2020 13:52

The Redmi 10X will be the first smartphone to feature the Dimensity 820 SoC. (Image source: Redmi via @xiaomishka)

MediaTek Dimensity 820 SoC in Redmi 10X smartphone benches like a champion on AnTuTu and leaves the Snapdragon 765G in the dust

The upcoming Redmi 10X with a brand-new MediaTek Dimensity 820 SoC has been delivering some astonishing benchmark scores on AnTuTu. The midrange chip managed a class-leading performance with the aid of its four Cortex-A76 @2.6 GHz...

Daniel R Deakin, 18 May 2020 12:05

The Z1 may be an alternate version of the Neo3. (Source: iQOO)

A probable iQOO Z1 shows up on Geekbench ahead of its launch

The iQOO Z1 is currently touted as the MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ SoC-powered twin of the Snapdragon 865-driven Neo3 smartphone. A phone with a model number that may belong to the former has surfaced on Geekbench 5. It points to 8GB...

Deirdre O Donnell, 17 May 2020 19:12

The LG V40 still looks good. (Source: Mashable)

Feature | The LG V40 ThinQ was the underappreciated flagship no one bought

The LG V40 had it all: three versatile rear cameras, five cameras in total, an excellent display, and competitive pricing. And yet, it never quite managed to hit the heights attained by its contemporaries; why?

Ricci Rox, 17 May 2020 17:33

The Nokia 6.3 may not feature a Snapdragon 67x SoC after all; Nokia 5.3 pictured. (Image source: HMD Global)

Nokia 6.3: 24 MP primary, 12 MP ultra-wide and 2 MP depth cameras for Snapdragon 730 and Q3 2020 mid-range smartphone

Rumour has it that a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 will underpin the Nokia 6.3, not a Snapdragon 670 or Snapdragon 675 as was previously claimed. Camera details about the upcoming mid-range smartphone have been revealed too ahead of a p...

Alex Alderson, 17 May 2020 15:31

720p has joined the long list of things that have been cancelled in 2020 (Image source:me.me)

Opinion | Apparently, 720p isn't HD anymore according to YouTube: sorry iPhone 11 and iPhone SE 2 users, but it's time to move on

YouTube recently decided to reclassify 720p video as SD quality. Users of the YouTube desktop site and mobile apps will no longer see an "HD" badge next to 720p. While the decision is largely semantic in nature, it underscores how...

Arjun Krishna Lal, 17 May 2020 14:24

The Pixel 4 has sold poorly. (Source: CNN)

The Google Pixel 5 could be a more affordable phone for the masses

The Google Pixel 4 had a number of significant flaws but the most fatal of all was pricing, as the phones didn't offer value analogous to their launch prices. Things could change with the Pixel 5, however, as a new report claims G...

Ricci Rox, 17 May 2020 11:27

Early reports billed the Surface Duo for a summer launch. (Source: The Verge)

New Microsoft Surface Duo leak paints a polarizing picture

The Microsoft Surface Duo is on the way and months after Microsoft's teaser, technical specifications of the foldable phone have now been revealed. Notable talking points include the choice of a last-gen SoC and a disappointing ba...

Ricci Rox, 17 May 2020 10:40

The Huawei P Smart S is an iterative upgrade to the budget P Smart (Image source: @evleaks)

Huawei P Smart S renders leak: 48MP triple camera, teardrop notch, Kirin 710, and no Google services. DOA compared to the Redmi Note 9?

Tipster @evleaks recently leaked what appear to be renders for Huawei's upcoming P Smart S budget smartphone. The P Smart S will likely sport the Kirin 710 SoC and has a triple camera array. However, head-to-head with the Redmi No...

Arjun Krishna Lal, 17 May 2020 10:08

A new promo for the Realme 'Blade Runner'. (Source: Weibo)

The Realme X50 Pro Player Edition (aka "Blade Runner") is official, will launch on May 25, 2020

Recently, a new Realme phone this OEM had dubbed "Blade Runner" surfaced in some official leaks. Other rumors pointed to its being called the X50 Pro Player Edition on its launch. Its maker has confirmed that this is the case, and...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 16 May 2020 22:49

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is expected to feature a MediaTek Dimensity 820 SoC. (Image source: TENAA)

Benchmarked MediaTek Dimensity 820 in upcoming Redmi Note 10 and Redmi Note 10 Pro doesn't stop for the Snapdragon 765G and snaps at the heels of the Kirin 980

A likely MediaTek Dimensity 820 SoC has been spotted on Geekbench in what are believed to be the upcoming Redmi Note 10 and Redmi Note 10 Pro smartphones. The midrange processor scored highly enough to easily surpass the Qualcomm ...

Daniel R Deakin, 16 May 2020 17:13

The Mate Xs carries a humongous price tag. (Source: Huawei)

Huawei touted to release an affordable foldable phone alongside the Mate 40 Pro

The Huawei Mate X and Mate Xs are incredible pieces of hardware but carry an equally heavy price tag, with the Mate Xs costing almost US$2700. That's a bit too much for the average consumer, though, so Huawei is reportedly working...

Ricci Rox, 16 May 2020 16:37

The Huawei P40 Lite 5G features the Kirin 820 SoC (Image source: 91mobiles)

Huawei P40 Lite 5G arrives in Europe: Challenges iPhone SE with 5G Kirin 820 SoC and 64 MP quad camera for €399, but no Google services is a deal-breaker

Huawei recently launched its P40 Lite 5G smartphone in European markets. At €399, it goes head to head with Apple's iPhone SE. While the 64 MP quad camera and Kirin 820 are great assets, the lack of Google services continues to be...

Arjun Krishna Lal, 16 May 2020 13:10

The Galaxy A21S has a punch hole display and quad camera (Image source: @evleaks)

No competition for the Poco X2: Samsung Galaxy A21S launched with a punch hole display and quad camera but mediocre Exynos 850 performance disappoints

Samsung recently launched its midrange Galaxy A21S smartphone at an event in London. The device offers a quad camera, Dolby Atmos, and a generous 5000 mAh battery at £179. However, a lower end Exynos 850 SoC tempers expectations.

Arjun Krishna Lal, 16 May 2020 13:01

The Motorola One series might have a new variant. (Source: Lenovo)

The "Motorola One Fusion" surfaces in new leaks, may launch soon

An upcoming phone called the Motorola XT2073-2 has been certified by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). According to some leaks, it will be called the One Fusion on its launch. It is thought to have a 4000mAh battery and ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 15 May 2020 23:44

The Mi A1 will never get an Android 10 update but that isn't the end of the road

The Xiaomi Mi A1 was launched back in 2017 and has received its two promised major OS updates. The phone may never receive an official Android 10 update from Xiaomi, but that doesn't have to be where it ends for Mi A1 owners.

Ricci Rox, 15 May 2020 21:15

The new UGREEN 65W charger. (Source: UGREEN)

UGREEN launches a new, compact, multi-USB 65W GaN charger via Indiegogo

UGREEN's latest power brick has 4 ports: 3 USB type Cs and 1 USB type A; therefore, it may suit the need of many users with multiple devices that can charge at up to 65 watts (W). The OEM also claims that it will be smaller than i...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 15 May 2020 18:23

Virtually test out a Sony TV in your house with its new app. (Source: Sony)

Sony launches a new AR app to help users choose which of its TVs to buy

Envision TV AR is a new Android and iOS app designed by Sony to help users reluctant to go outdoors shop for a new big-screen device in any case. It uses the augmented-reality (AR) features of a smartphone to virtually place Sony ...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 15 May 2020 17:41

1More announces its latest Dual Driver wireless in-ear neckbuds with ANC

1More has introduced its new Dual Driver ANC Pro Wireless In-Ear Headphones. This new product is not truly wireless, but does improve on its predecessor through the addition of Bluetooth 5.0 and a Wind Noise Resistance mode on top...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 15 May 2020 16:53

The Redmi Note 7 came with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi smartphones that have Android 10: Current list - closed beta version available for the Redmi Note 7 and Redmi Note 7 Pro

A useful list of all Xiaomi smartphones that currently have Android 10 has been made available. The list includes devices from the new Xiaomi Mi 10 series and from the popular Redmi K30 lineup and Redmi Note family. Redmi Note 7 a...

Daniel R Deakin, 15 May 2020 14:18

The Redmi Note 10 is expected to feature a MediaTek Dimensity 820 SoC and OLED panel. (Image source: TENAA/@xiaomishka)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 specs and images revealed - Lu Weibing's "super performance, unexpected" cheap 5G smartphone with MediaTek Dimensity 820 SoC

Specifications and images of the upcoming Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 smartphone have been released. It appears the hopefully affordable 5G smartphone will be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 820 SoC and will feature a 6.57-inch OLED disp...

Daniel R Deakin, 15 May 2020 12:58

Early renders of the Google Pixel 4a. (Source: OnLeaks)

Google Pixel 4a billed to be cheaper than the iPhone SE

The Google Pixel 4a was initially expected to start at US$399, but a new leak claims the phone could be US$50 cheaper. This would make it cheaper than the iPhone SE, the biggest challenger to the Pixel 4a in the mid-range segment.

Ricci Rox, 15 May 2020 09:56

The Nokia 1.3 and some of its specs. (Source: Amazon)

The Nokia 1.3 is released to the US market

Nokia's ultra-budget 1.3 is a phone with a 5.71-inch HD+ display. Despite this, it runs an up-to-date ROM thanks to Android Go, as well as Google's Camera Go. It is now available on the American market for US$99.

Deirdre O Donnell, 15 May 2020 00:12

An official poster for the X10. (Source: Honor)

The Honor X10 is confirmed to come with a 90Hz screen

The Honor X10 is an upcoming Kirin 820 phone that is thought to be particularly cost-effective despite its 5G status. The OEM has officially announced that it will sweeten this putative detail with a 90 hertz (90Hz) refresh rate f...

Deirdre O Donnell, 14 May 2020 23:31