Smartphone

The modular Fairphone 3 (unsurprisingly) scores a perfect 10 in iFixIt teardown

The Fairphone 3 received a perfect 10 in its iFixIt teardown. The modular phone is perhaps the most repairable device on the market; most major components are attached to removable modules, making repairs a snap. The back is held in with simple clips rather than adhesives, and the battery can be lifted out of the device and swapped out in less than a minute.

Sam Medley, 11 Sep 2019 23:48

Apple Arcade goes live on November 1, 2019. (Source: Apple)

Apple's TV+ and Arcade titles, formats and pricing structures are outlined in full

The latest Apple keynote introduced the new iPhones and iPad, yet did not stop there. It also outlined the company's new gaming- and TV-streaming services in detail. They will both go live in November 2019, cost US$4.99 per month and have content ready to go.

Deirdre O Donnell, 11 Sep 2019 21:13

UWB is found in the iPhones 11 Pro and Pro Max only. (Source: YouTube)

Apple develops a proprietary short-range communication system for the iPhones 11 Pro

The Apple U1 chip is new hardware that controls ultrawide band (UWB) energy transfers between devices. This enables compatible products to locate each other and exchange data in a way non-U1-enabled counterparts cannot. These new features are exclusive to the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max.

Deirdre O Donnell, 11 Sep 2019 20:08

Trade-ins for the new iPhones are live now. (Source: YouTube)

Apple channels Samsung with its new iPhone 11 trade-in program

Earlier in the year, we learned that Samsung would offer up to US$600 off the price of a new Galaxy Note 10 phone - in exchange for the right used device, that is. Now, Apple is doing the same for its new line of iPhones. These new trade-in prices apply to all 3 new models, and can knock an 11 down to as little as $99.

Deirdre O Donnell, 11 Sep 2019 18:35

Fastest mobile SoC? We'll find out in a few days. (Source: The Verge)

A closer look at the A13 Bionic SoC powering Apple's new iPhone 11 models

The new A13 Bionic is still a hexa-core CPU chip, but, thanks to TSMC's latest 7 nm EUV manufacturing process, this SoC now integrates 8.5 billion transistors. It also features a new quad-core GPU plus an octa-core NPU, and all of its components are on average 20% faster and 30% less power-demanding compared to the previous version.

Bogdan Solca, 11 Sep 2019 16:30

Apple claims its new products are 'all-new' -- they aren't. (Source: Apple)

Opinion: Sorry Apple, your 'new' products are not 'all-new'

Apple and its market machine is in full spin mode following the launch of the iPhone 11 range along with the Watch Series 5 and 10.2-inch iPad. Yes, it is true these devices are new. However, I take exception to Apple labeling them as ‘all-new’ on its website. Not one of its new products is ‘all-new.’

Sanjiv Sathiah, 11 Sep 2019 13:58

Google Assistant may gain the ability to tell when a call comes off hold. (Source: Google)

Pixel users may soon be able to get the Google Assistant to go on hold for them

9to5Google claims to have learned that Google has a new Call Screen-like function for the Assistant in the works. It may become known as "Hold my Phone", and will enable a device's AI to handle a phonecall that has gone on hold by itself. This, apparently, will involve alerting the user when a respondent has come back on to the line.

Deirdre O Donnell, 10 Sep 2019 23:25

The latest Huawei Mate 30 display leak shows a smaller notch than the last

The upcoming Huawei flagship series is linked to a number of highly unusual design choice via its leaks already. One of them indicates that these phones will come with display notches (again). However, a new image depicting a screen protector allegedly made for the Mate 30 shows a different kind of notch this time around.

Deirdre O Donnell, 10 Sep 2019 20:43

The LG G6 and V20 are still yet to receive stable Android 9.0 Pie builds. (Image source: PhoneArena)

There is light at the end of the tunnel for the LG G6 and V20

Still holding out on seeing your LG G6 or V20 running Android 9.0 Pie? Well, while LG remains tight-lipped when this month it plans to release the OS upgrade to both devices, but changes to the Android Enterprise Solutions Directory point towards it being soon. Do you reckon that LG will keep to its Q3 2019 schedule for rolling out Android 9.0 Pie to the G6 and V20?

Alex Alderson, 10 Sep 2019 18:00

Apple could be preparing to amaze everyone with a resurrected AirPower charging mat. (Image source: iMore)

AirPower resurrected and full iPhone 11 details revealed: names, models, prices, and release dates

According to a recently leaked image, the Apple iPhone 11 series will feature smartphones ranging from an entry-level US$749 device all the way up to an eye-watering US$1,299 top-end model. The picture shows that the top two SKUs will be available on September 20, and remarkably it also suggests the AirPower charging mat may have been brought back from the dead.

Daniel R Deakin, 09 Sep 2019 22:16

Black, white, orange, green or blue? (Image source: @Queliansanz26)

Black, white, orange, green or blue? Leaked Pixel 4 promotional video points to more than three colours for Google's next flagship

Apple is hosting its "Special Event" tomorrow, but the internet is talking about the Pixel 4. Why? Well, an apparent Pixel 4 promotional video has leaked online, the timing of which is suspect, to say the least. Google may have a trick or two up its sleeve too.

Alex Alderson, 09 Sep 2019 22:13

BLU launches a new brand with a "mission to bring smartphone prices back to reality"

The smartphone OEM BLU has unveiled a new sub-brand, BOLD. It will offer new "premium flagship and flagship-like" devices that buck the trend of rising prices in this market. The first BOLD phone, the N1, is powered by the mid-range MediaTek Helio P70 SoC, and has a 6.4-inch FHD+ notchless display.

Deirdre O Donnell, 09 Sep 2019 20:39

Nokia 9 PureView's main camera setup, DxOMark failure

DxOMark: The Nokia 9 PureView fails to impress

It is not something new that more cameras are not always better, but many of those into mobile photography had high expectations from the Nokia 9 PureView. Sadly, Nokia's flagship with five cameras on the back failed to impress and only scored 85 points overall in DxOMark's test — 88 for still photography and 80 for video shooting.

Codrut Nistor, 09 Sep 2019 20:23

Xiaomi also claims to have 40W wireless charging in the works. (Source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi unveils Mi Charge Turbo: a new 30W wireless charging standard

Xiaomi has launched its fastest wireless charging standard yet: Mi Charge Turbo, which powers a compatible device at 30 watts (W). The OEM claims that it needs only 25 minutes to charge an empty 4000mAh battery to 50%. Furthermore, the company also stated that it is working on a 40W upgrade for this new standard already.

Deirdre O Donnell, 09 Sep 2019 19:20

A 5G Realme phone based on the Snapdragon 7-series 5G Mobile Platform is in the offing. (Source: BGR India)

Realme announces first device powered by the Snapdragon 7-series 5G SoC, also slated to launch a 90 Hz display phone cheaper than the OnePlus 7T

Realme will soon launch a 5G smartphone powered by Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 7-series 5G Mobile Platform. The Realme 5G phone will support both SA and NSA 5G networks for maximum worldwide band compatibility. Realme is also said to be working on a new device with a 90 Hz display refresh rate for a price that would be cheaper than the upcoming OnePlus 7T.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 09 Sep 2019 11:33

The Huawei Mate 30 series could ship without any Google services pre-installed. (Source: OnLeaks)

IFA 2019 | Huawei Mate 30 and Mate X to ship without Google apps, P40 series could launch with HarmonyOS in 2020

The upcoming Huawei Mate 30 and foldable Mate X will not ship with Google Mobile Services (GMS) pre-installed due to the ongoing ban on Huawei products by the Trump administration citing national security concerns. However, CEO Richard Yu said that users can still install Google apps on their own and that the company is contemplating shifting to HarmonyOS starting from the P40 series next year if the situation doesn't improve.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 09 Sep 2019 09:28

The HiSilicon Kirin 990 comes an with integrated 5G modem. (Source: Android Authority)

IFA 2019 | Huawei's Kirin 990 5G sticks to Cortex-A76 but offers faster clocks, integrated 5G modem, and a new NPU design

Huawei has unveiled the Kirin 990 and the Kirin 990 5G at IFA 2019. The Kirin 990 5G offers a built-in 5G modem, faster CPU clocks, and a new Da Vinci 2+1 NPU architecture. The new SoC also features a 16-core Mali-G76 MP16 GPU and will first be seen powering handsets such as the Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 09 Sep 2019 08:19

The OPPO Reno A's alleged promo. (Source: IndiaShopps)

The OPPO Reno A is a new 6GB mid-range phone, according to its leaked promo

A tech blog claims to have dug up new renders and marketing material for a new OPPO Reno phone. It is apparently to be called the Reno A, and is powered by the Snapdragon 710 SoC. It is described as having 6GB of RAM and either 64GB or 128GB in internal storage.

Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Sep 2019 22:53

The next 90Hz OnePlus screen may look somewhat like this. (Source: Android Police)

The OnePlus 7T's 90Hz screen is all but confirmed, but this may not be good news for all

Pete Lau, the chief executive officer (CEO) at OnePlus, has confirmed that a new phone with an imminent release will have a 90Hz screen. The use of the eptithet "affordable" also connected to this phone suggests that this device is the 7T rather than the 7T Pro. This, then, may not go down well with those who already own the 7 Pro.

Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Sep 2019 20:14

IFA 2019 | TCL claims to have applied its display know-how to the new PLEX smartphone

TCL, a name perhaps better known for TVs, has unveiled its latest mobile device at IFA. The PLEX is a 6.53-inch FHD+ phone with a 24MP punch-hole camera. It has triple rear cameras, one of which is 48MP, and AI enhancements for the same. The PLEX also has T-Cast, an app that allows it full control over certain smart TVs from the same brand.

Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Sep 2019 18:04

IFA 2019 | Huawei unveils the FreeBuds 3: AirPod-alikes but with a round charging case

Huawei has taken to IFA to unveil new wireless earbuds alongside the Kirin 990 SoC. They are the latest in the Freebuds line of wearables, and are thus AirPod clones (in their looks at least). These 3rd-gen products have a dedicated dual-Bluetooth chipset of their own, "intelligent" noise cancellation and a unique charging case.

Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Sep 2019 17:20

Does the increase in Pixel 4 leaks concide with Apple's launch event next week? (Image source: Google)

What is with all the Google Pixel 4 leaks this week?

If the recent volume of leaks is anything to go by, then the Pixel 4 series is edging ever nearer to being unveiled. While the bezels and square rear-facing camera housing may put off many people, Google may have a few technological innovations up its sleeve.

Alex Alderson, 08 Sep 2019 14:15

The Galaxy Fold is highly sought after by tech early adopters. (Source: Samsung)

Galaxy Fold sells out in Korea 24 hours after going on sale

Samsung’s Galaxy Fold has already sold out in its home market of Korea just a day after its launch. Admittedly, only around 2,500 units were on sale of the bleeding edge device but it shows that early adopters are keen to try out the latest technology from the Korean tech behemoth.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 08 Sep 2019 05:43

The HiSilicon Kirin 990 5G features the new Da Vinci architecture NPU. (Image source: Huawei)

Huawei Dev Phone featuring HiSilicon Kirin 990 5G SoC hammers Snapdragon and Exynos competition in AI Benchmark

A device simply called “Huawei Dev Phone” has been spotted on the AI Benchmark, and both the phone and the HiSilicon Kirin 990 5G mobile SoC it features have completely outclassed the competition in the benchmark’s performance rankings. The smartphone’s final AI score was more than twice the amount of its nearest rival, the Honor 20S.

Daniel R Deakin, 07 Sep 2019 20:41

The Google Pixel 4 has been accused of being an iPhone 11 clone. (Image source: Twitter/Ben Geskin)

An Apple Special Event is coming, so time for a coincidental Google Pixel 4 leak: Handsets in black, white, and orange

An image showing three Google Pixel 4 smartphones in different colors has seemingly leaked on Weibo. Unsurprisingly, both a black and white SKU are visible, but the choice for the third color has caused some eyebrows to be raised. It had already been leaked that Google was going with orange as one of the Pixel 4’s color options.

Daniel R Deakin, 07 Sep 2019 19:35

Various sectors of the smartphone market may get 5G faster than expected. (Source: Qualcomm)

The next generations of Snapdragon 8-, 7- and 6- series SoCs will be 5G-ready by default

Qualcomm has announced that its chipsets for the premium, premium mid-tier and mid-tier mobile devices of the future will all come with 5G as standard. This is because they will have support for these next-gen data bands built into them directly as systems-on-chips (SoC). Of these, the 5G 7-series is already being used to design phones by OEMs such as Nokia and LG.

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Sep 2019 19:18

Corephotonics has a strategic licensing agreement with Oppo. (Image source: DPReview)

Samsung has a secret weapon up its sleeve to take on the iPhone and Pixel

A recent tweet posted by Ice universe has made strong implications that Samsung will be focusing on the camera equipment used in future devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S11. Although the tipster did not reveal any specifics, his somewhat cryptic message will offer hope to Samsung fans tired of reading about superior iPhone and Pixel cameras.

Daniel R Deakin, 07 Sep 2019 18:46

The Pixel 3's replacement may have finally appeared on Geekbench. (Source: Digital Trends)

Update | The latest Pixel 4 Geekbench leak is the most confusing yet

The anticipated successor to the Pixel 3 has appeared on Geekbench. It shows that the device has 4GB of RAM, is powered by the Snapdragon 855 SoC and runs Android 10. Therefore, it stands a decent chance of actually being a Google phone - however, the leak does have some inadequacies.

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Sep 2019 18:32

It is now possible to enable 75 Hz screen refresh rate on the Asus ZenFone 6 using a kernel mod. (Source: Asus)

Fancy a ZenFone 6 with a faster display refresh rate? It is now possible with the custom Proton Kernel

Senior XDA member 'kdrag0n' has released the new Proton Kernel for the Asus ZenFone 6. Apart from bringing several enhancements, the Proton Kernel enables a 75 Hz display refresh rate option for smoother visuals. The Proton Kernel can be installed over the stock Asus ZenUI 6 Android Pie image after a bootloader unlock.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 07 Sep 2019 17:07

The new JBL Pulse 4 in action. (Source: JBL)

IFA 2019 | JBL introduces the Pulse 4, a 20W portable LED speaker

The JBL Pulse 4 is the latest in a series of portable Bluetooth speakers that also light up as they stream audio. This iteration also has an IPX7 rating and an estimated 12 hours of playback. Its LEDs are controlled by a proprietary app, which also allows it to sync with multiple compatible devices from the same brand.

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Sep 2019 00:05

The new Arun power station. (Source: IFA International)

IFA 2019 | The new Arun power station has both USB and AC outputs to charge a laptop at up to 100W

The charging accessory brand Arun has a new travel product that can charge both mobile devices and full notebooks. This "power station" has variants with 22000mAh or 30000mAh capacities, both of which has a full AC outlet, as well as USB type A and C ports. The latter can charge a mobile device at up to 45 watts (W), whereas the former can deliver up to 100W.

Deirdre O Donnell, 06 Sep 2019 20:23

The QTM527 mmWave antenna module. (Source: Qualcomm)

IFA 2019 | Qualcomm unveils the new QTM527 mmWave antenna module for the Snapdragon X55 modem

Qualcomm has introduced its latest "add-on" for its 2nd-generation 5G modem, the Snapdragon X55. The QTM527 is an antenna that confers mmWave reception on the chipset. It is intended to enable the X55 to handle fiber-level connections for homes and businesses, regardless of their location.

Deirdre O Donnell, 06 Sep 2019 18:38

Samsung Galaxy A90 5G will get quarterly security updates, another failure by Samsung

Samsung fails again: No monthly security patches for the Galaxy A90 5G

Although it is not cheap at all, the Galaxy A90 5G is Samsung's first non-flagship handset with support for the fastest mobile connectivity standard available for the masses (depending on region, of course). Sadly, although it is more expensive than most 4G flagships currently on the market, the Galaxy A90 5G will only get a new security patch every four months.

Codrut Nistor, 06 Sep 2019 17:19

The Nokia 7.2's 48 MP triple camera and always-on HDR screen adds pizzazz to the mid-range segment. (Source: HMD Global)

IFA 2019 | The Nokia 7.2 offers a 48 MP triple camera with ZEISS optics and a PureDisplay always-on HDR screen for €299

HMD Global has announced a new a mid-range smartphone at IFA 2019 — the Nokia 7.2. The Nokia 7.2 features a 48 MP triple camera setup with ZEISS optics and AI enhancements for improved low-light photos. The Nokia 7.2 sports an always-on 10-bit HDR FHD+ display powered by a dedicated Pixelworks visual processor and will be available September-end starting from €299.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 06 Sep 2019 07:46

The LG G8X ThinQ comes with a new symmetrical secondary display accessory. (Source: LG)

IFA 2019 | LG G8X ThinQ launched, new second screen accessory also includes third ancillary display

As expected, LG has officially revealed its latest flagship smartphone at Berlin’s IFA 2019 expo. The new LG G8X ThinQ is also offered with a new sleeker second-screen accessory that also includes a third monochrome 2.1-inch ancillary on its rear for notifications when the second screen accessory case is folded over the main display.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 06 Sep 2019 01:58

The OPPO A5 (2020) looks like an OPPO A9 (2020) with less RAM

According to a purported leak, the OPPO A5 (2020) will have the exact same SoC, screen, battery, and camera as the A9 (2020). The main difference between the two handsets will be RAM and storage: the A5 (2020) tops out at 4 GB/128 GB, while the A9 (2020) can only be configured with 8 GB/128 GB. The price difference is rumored to be less than US $40.

Sam Medley, 05 Sep 2019 23:34

Vivo may release an Exynos 980-powered phone soon. (Source: Twitter)

Vivo reportedly wants to make a 5G phone with Samsung's Exynos 980 SoC

The well-known tech tipster IceUniverse claims to have attended a Vivo event in which this OEM outlined plans to use Samsung's newest SoC in one of its own phones. This chipset, the Exynos 980, is thought to be best suited to mid-range phones - albeit ones with 5G. Vivo apparently plans to release just such a device before the end of 2019.

Deirdre O Donnell, 05 Sep 2019 22:47

The new Motorola One Zoom. (Source: Lenovo)

IFA 2019 | Motorola makes the One Zoom and Moto E6 Plus official

Motorola has announced the release of 2 new smartphones, the One Zoom and Moto E6 Plus. The former has a 6.4-inch 1080p display, a 4000 mAh battery and Dual OIS for its quad rear cameras. The new Moto E, on the other hand, is a dual-camera phone with a 6.1-inch HD+ display.

Deirdre O Donnell, 05 Sep 2019 20:30

The Huawei Mate 30 Pro aoccording to OnLeaks and Pricebaba. (Image source: @OnLeaks & Pricebaba)

Opinion | The Huawei Mate 30 Pro may be the ugliest and most inconvenient flagship smartphone of 2019

Have the rumours about the Mate 30 Pro got you clamouring for its launch event on September 19? Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but recent renders published by OnLeaks and Pricebaba paint the Mate 30 Pro as one of the uglier flagships of 2019. Some of its rumoured features look more gimmicky than innovative too.

Alex Alderson, 05 Sep 2019 19:29

VESA's DisplayHDR standards can improve a screen's performance. (Source: Pinterest)

VESA's updated HDR standards may improve the display panels of the future

The Video Electronics Standards Association (or VESA) is the body that can confer official certifications for state-of-the art quality standards such as DisplayHDR on new screens. Its latest update to the criteria by which they are granted is called version 1.1. It calls for ultra-modern specs such as active dimming, as well as tougher yardsticks for color gamut and luminance.

Deirdre O Donnell, 05 Sep 2019 18:43

Sony unveils the Xperia 5, a new compact version of its flagship phone

Sony has revealed that the long-awaited compact variant of its 2019 flagship is called the Xperia 5. It shares an OLED "TV-grade" screen with the 1; however, this panel measures 0.4 inches less than its regular-sized counterpart. The 5 also has the same triple cameras and Snapdragon 855 SoC as the 1.

Deirdre O Donnell, 05 Sep 2019 17:52

The new Red Magic 3S will also be available in silver. (Source: JD.com)

Nubia Red Magic 3S powered by Snapdragon 855+ up for pre-orders

Upgraded with a Snapdragon 855+ SoC, improved liquid cooling solution and USF 3.0 storage, the Red Magic 3S from Nubia is scheduled to begin shipping on September 9 in China. As per usual, Nubia is looking to maintain aggressive prices, and the latest model is no exception, as the flagship variant costs ~US$531.

Bogdan Solca, 05 Sep 2019 15:16

The long-awaited Samsung Galaxy Fold has officially been re-launched and will be in user hands by the end of the week. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung Galaxy Fold officially launches in Korea, due this Friday

The wait is over. Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Fold in its home market of Korea. Locals will get the Fold in a 5G variant with 512 GB of storage on board while other markets will also get the 5G option or a 4G LTE version.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 05 Sep 2019 11:23

Huawei may increase its share of the Chinese market to 50% in 2020. (Source: CNBC)

Huawei is now projected to gain as much as half the Chinese mobile device market in 2020

The respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo now estimates that Huawei could seize up to 50% of its domestic market next year. However, he also believes that the OEM will now miss a previous projection of 260 million units shipped this year. This company is also planning to grow stronger based on further investment into research.

Deirdre O Donnell, 04 Sep 2019 23:39

The OnePlus 7 series has an Android 10 beta already. (Source: OnePlus)

OnePlus releases its first version of Android 10 for the 7 and 7 Pro

The OEM OnePlus has succeeded in releasing a build of Android 10 shortly after Google formally introduced this fresh version of the OS. It is an Open Beta compatible with the 7 series from the Chinese phone-maker. The ROM updates the UI and contains many long-awaited Android 10 features.

Deirdre O Donnell, 04 Sep 2019 18:43

The Mi Mix 4 is expected to launch at the end of September with plenty of superlatives in tow. (Image source: @xiaomishka)

Xiaomi Mi Mix 4: Launch date and triple-camera specs leak

Xiaomi is apparently set to disrupt the iPhone 11 Pro and Mate 30 Pro with the Mi Mix 4, with latest rumours suggesting that the 108 MP monster will be released on September 24 alongside MIUI 11. Xiaomi seemingly has no plans to return to a slider mechanism for the Mi Mix 3 successor either.

Alex Alderson, 04 Sep 2019 17:45

The Exynos 980 is Samsung's first SoC to integrate a 5G modem. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung announces Exynos 980 SoC with integrated 5G modem

Samsung does not directly specify this, but the Exynos 980 appears to be aimed at premium mid-range handhelds like the top-of-the-line Galaxy A-series. Its main features include a 5G modem with E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity for downloads speeds of up to 3.5 Gbps, WiFi 6, a faster NPU, plus support for single 108 MP cams.

Bogdan Solca, 04 Sep 2019 16:45

The Kirin 990 will come with an integrated 5G modem. (Source: @roccetry on Twitter)

Kirin 990 confirmed to sport built-in 5G modem, will be fabbed on TSMC's 7nm FinFET Plus EUV process

Banners put up by Huawei at the IFA 2019 venue confirm that the upcoming flagship Kirin 990 SoC will feature an on-die 5G modem instead of an external solution. The Kirin 990 will be the first SoC to be fabbed on TSMC's new 7nm FinFET Plus EUV process and will also be the first to support native 4K 60 fps video recording.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 04 Sep 2019 16:31