Smartphone

The "One Hyper" may look like this. (Source: WinFuture)

The Motorola One Hyper is now touted to be the OEM's first 64MP and pop-up camera phone

Some images of a new Motorola phone with the legend "64MP Quad Pixel" embossed on its main camera module have emerged. Rumored to be called the One Hyper, this device also has a single pop-up selfie shooter that leaves its front panel with a minimal chin and bezels on 3 sides. It is also thought to be powered by the Snapdragon 675 SoC.

Deirdre O Donnell, 04 Dec 2019 18:35

Android may be able to leave Bluetooth out of Airplane Mode's reach soon. (Source: TheJournal)

Android 11 may support leaving Bluetooth on in Airplane Mode

Airplane mode is an ever-present setting on mobile devices that is effectively an instant kill switch for all radios, those for wireless connectivity included. However, this setting can be considerably less convenient for those who depend on Bluetooth for audio. There are now signs that an Android 10 successor may allow more granular control over what it does.

Deirdre O Donnell, 04 Dec 2019 17:19

The Snapdragon will compete against the Exynos 990 next year. (Source: Qualcomm)

Snapdragon 865 Geekbench benchmark appearance shows it trading blows with the Exynos 9825 and Apple A13 Bionic

The new Snapdragon 865 was unveiled yesterday. The device has now been benchmarked on an outdated version of Geekbench. Recorded scores show it throwing blows with the Apple A12 Bionic, matching the Apple A13 in multi-core, while equalling the Exynos 9825 in single-core and destroying it in multi-core.

Ricci Rox, 04 Dec 2019 16:40

The Redmi K30 will sport a side-mounted fingerprint reader. (Source: Weibo)

The Redmi K30 will be powered by the new Snapdragon 765

There's been conflicting information on what SoC the upcoming Redmi K30 will feature. Some say it'll be the Snapdragon 730G, while others tout the MediaTek Dimensity 1000 5G. New developments debunk all of those, and we're almost definitely going to see a Redmi K30 powered by the just-announced Snapdragon 765.

Ricci Rox, 04 Dec 2019 09:36

The Huawei P Smart (2019) was released almost a year ago. (Source: Android Authority)

EMUI 10 update begins rolling out to the Huawei P Smart (2019)

Huawei has sent out the EMUI 10 update to its Kirin 980-powered premium phones, and is now setting its sights on the mid-range. Owners of the Huawei P Smart (2019) are now receiving the Android 10-based EMUI 10 update, and we expect other Kirin 710-powered devices like the Honor 8X and P30 Lite to get the update in the near future.

Ricci Rox, 04 Dec 2019 09:34

Xiaomi announces Mi 10 smartphone with Snapdragon 865

Xiaomi's CEO Lin Bin today announced the Xiaomi Mi 10, one of the first phones to use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865. Bin offered few details, but it's likely the Mi 10 will carry flagship specifications and use the same 108 MP camera sensor used in Xiaomi's other phones, particularly the Mi CC9.

Sam Medley, 03 Dec 2019 23:01

The Galaxy A91 may look like this. (Source: OnLeaks/91Mobiles)

The latest Samsung Galaxy A91 renders hint at a whole mess of cameras and central punch-hole

The Samsung Galaxy A91 is thought to be one of this OEM's new phones in 2020. OnLeaks has released new renders for this device, showing that it may look somewhat like the Note 10 of this year. This design is also thought to apply to the upcoming Galaxy S11 flagship series.

Deirdre O Donnell, 03 Dec 2019 21:53

The new Runn treadmill tracker. (Source: North Pole Engineering)

The Runn is a new sensor that beams treadmill performance to a smartphone

Those who use treadmills might want to keep track of their speed, incline and other metrics as they work out. The Runn is a new gadget that captures this data and sends it right to a compatible fitness app. It is up for pre-order now, and is slated to ship in mid-December

Deirdre O Donnell, 03 Dec 2019 21:16

ZTE's next major Android upgrade is called MiFavor 10. (Source: Weibo)

ZTE's Android 10 skin will be called MiFavor 10

The Chinese OEM ZTE has revealed that it has a version of Android 10 ready to go. This MiFavor 10 OS is slated to confer numerous UI and system improvements on the devices that will update to it. They include a dark mode, an AI engine upgrade and new dynamic wallpapers.

Deirdre O Donnell, 03 Dec 2019 20:36

Samsung's new trademark application. (Source: LetsGoDigital)

The next generations of Samsung foldables will have "Hideaway" hinges, according to a new trademark

Samsung has reportedly trademarked the name "Hideaway Hinge" with the EU's intellectual property office, EUIPO. This name, as it may sound on the tin, is a component relevant to smartphones and tablets. Therefore, it seems the Galaxy Fold's successors may be less obtrusive in the crease-region.

Deirdre O Donnell, 03 Dec 2019 20:04

The new A-series is the most important GPU IP in the past 15 years for Imagination. (Source: Imagination)

Imagination announces the A-series smartphone GPUs

The venerable PowerVR GPUs will be replaced with the new A-series IP that brings significant performance improvements for the high-end and mid-range mobile GPU models. Top-of-the line will be the AXT 64-2048 GPU that is estimated to be 2.5X faster than the current Series 9XM Rogue-based model.

Bogdan Solca, 03 Dec 2019 16:55

That has to be the sketchiest-looking "under-display" selfie camera setup we've ever seen. (Source: Slashleaks)

Xiaomi calls out yet another mouth-watering Mi Mix 4 leak as fake

Yet another leak has surfaced, painting an extremely attractive picture of the supposed upcoming Mi Mix 4. Some major touted features include a variable 120 Hz display with a QHD+ resolution, a 108 MP main shooter, quad rear camera setup, and an under-display dual selfie camera system. Sadly, dreams are just that...dreams.

Ricci Rox, 03 Dec 2019 11:06

10 million units in three months: The Redmi Note 8 series is outselling the Redmi Note 7 duo

Just three months after the phones were launched, Xiaomi has confirmed that it has sold ten million units of the Redmi Note 8 series. That is, the Redmi Note 8 and Note 8 Pro. This means that the Note 8 phones are actually outselling the Redmi Note 7 phones, which is incredible considering the phones’ relatively lackluster reception by the enthusiast community.

Ricci Rox, 03 Dec 2019 11:05

The back of the Redmi K30 has a very Huawei look to it. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Updated | Xiaomi Redmi K30: Design revealed ahead of imminent launch

Xiaomi's next mid-range smartphone may arrive as soon as tomorrow, according to new information posted online. The Redmi K30 series will also be 5G capable, throwing up questions about the SoC that will underpin the smartphones. The K20 series successors will sport a radically different design too, along with a new high-resolution Sony camera sensor.
Updated: New marketing photos confirm fingerprint scanner question and confirm launch date. Two Redmi-branded smart devices have been teased too.

Alex Alderson, 03 Dec 2019 09:42

The OnePlus 6 and 6T originally received Android 10 at the start of last month. (Image source: OnePlus)

OnePlus 6 and 6T pick up Android 10 update

Still waiting for Android 10 on your OnePlus 6 or 6T? Well, OnePlus has started releasing the OS upgrade again, but only to handsets in China. You could install the build on any OnePlus 6 or 6T, though.

Alex Alderson, 02 Dec 2019 23:22

Sony Crackle is an example of an ad-based video streaming service. (Source: Sony)

More and more people are using ad-based streaming services

Some subscription-based streaming platforms have become huge for a number of reasons, the total lack of ads being one of them. However, there are emerging alternatives that reinstate this potential disadvantage back in return for no monthly fee. Research has shown that their uptake in the United States has increased by nearly 10% over the last 12 months.

Deirdre O Donnell, 02 Dec 2019 23:13

A teaser shot for the 2020 Galaxy As. (Source: YouTube)

Samsung will launch the 2020 Galaxy A series soon

Samsung Vietnam has released a new trailer for the upcoming Galaxy A series. It is pretty apparent that, with their central punch-hole displays, they will improve on their predecessors in one respect at least. They will launch in this market on December 12, 2019.

Deirdre O Donnell, 02 Dec 2019 22:32

Realme cuts some 2018 phones out of its Android 10 plans

The Realme 1, 2, C1 and U1 were all released at various points in 2018. Despite this, their maker has just announced that they will not receive an update to ColorOS 7. This is an upcoming software skin based on Android 10 that the company shares with OPPO.

Deirdre O Donnell, 02 Dec 2019 19:41

The Xperia Compact compared to previous compact Sony phones. (Source: Ithome)

Sony is working on the Xperia Compact, a 5.5-inch phone for lovers of small devices

Be excited, ye lovers of small smartphones; be very excited. Sony is apparently working on a new compact phone. The Xperia Compact will feature a 5.5-inch display with a physical footprint smaller than that of the Xperia XZ2 Compact and Samsung Galaxy S10e.

Ricci Rox, 02 Dec 2019 10:21

The Mi Note 10 features ridiculously good camera hardware. (Source: Mi)

DxOMark picks its best smartphone cameras of 2019 sorted by categories, and the Mi Note 10 Pro dominates

DxOMark has shared its thoughts on what it considers to be the best smartphone cameras of 2019, grouped into specific sub-categories. There are a few iffy choices, but one major takeaway from the list is just how impressive the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Pro is.

Ricci Rox, 02 Dec 2019 10:19

Realme, the OPPO sub-brand? Not for much longer, apparently

The smartphone OEM Realme started life as a spin-off from the company OPPO. Now, however, it has emerged that the 2 brands are effectively going their separate ways. The younger firm is now its own private company with its own CEO and R&D unit.

Deirdre O Donnell, 01 Dec 2019 19:50

The Redmi K30 is coming on December 10. (Source: Xiaomi)

Opinion | Redmi K30 leaks paint the picture of a thoroughly disappointing sequel to an excellent phone

We genuinely believe the Redmi K20 and K20 Pro—and the Mi 9T rebrands—to be the best-value premium smartphones on the market. Xiaomi is set to release a successor this month, the Redmi K30, but things aren't looking quite as exciting as one would expect.

Ricci Rox, 01 Dec 2019 11:04

Deal | You can snag the Samsung Galaxy Buds with wireless charging case right now for just US$99

Samsung released the Galaxy Buds earlier in the year. The AirPods competitor have an MSRP of US$129.99 but can be had for quite a bit cheaper right now. For US$99.99, to be exact—US$30 or 23% off.

Ricci Rox, 01 Dec 2019 11:04

A shot of the Redmi Note 7 Pro in question. (Source: Toutiao)

A second Redmi Note 7 series phone reportedly self-destructs

A Chinese user has reportedly claimed that a Redmi Note 7 Pro caught fire, resulting in the complete destruction of the phone. This would be the second time in two weeks that a mobile device from this OEM has apparently ended up in such a state. The company has denied the incident is related to the quality of the phone in question.

Deirdre O Donnell, 30 Nov 2019 22:49

A new Google Messages update has a new setting. (Source: Google)

Google's Messages app gains a new ability to protect against phishing

Google is pushing a new update in which its SMS app will gain the ability to tell between 'real' and 'fake' corporate messages. This will be done in line with the search giant's new "Verified" initative, by which businesses register with Google so as to prevent their communiques being automatically labelled as a form of spam and never reaching their customers.

Deirdre O Donnell, 30 Nov 2019 22:09

The LG G8 ThinQ reportedly updates to Android 10

LG's original 2019 flagship smartphone has started to see updates to Android 10. However, this is only reportedly applicable to units in the OEM's native South Korea at present. This upgrade also apparently comes with the November 2019 security patch.

Deirdre O Donnell, 30 Nov 2019 19:34

The Samsung Galaxy A30s, a good smartphone but one that is out of its depth. (Image source: Samsung)

Samsung Galaxy A30s: A playful but inferior smartphone

The Galaxy A30s impressed in many areas during our recent review of Samsung's latest entry-level handset. However, while the A30s is well-built and looks the part, it cannot match its competitors on performance and battery life.

Alex Alderson, 30 Nov 2019 19:11

Asus throwing in a free ZenFone Max M1 smartphone or $500 off the ROG Phone with each purchase of a new laptop (Source: Asus)

Deal | Asus throwing in a free ZenFone Max M1 smartphone or $500 off the ROG Phone with each purchase of a new laptop

The limited time deal includes dozens of Asus laptops from the ultra-thin ZenBook series to the enthusiast ROG series. It's a nice incentive even if the smartphones aren't the latest ones on the block.

Allen Ngo, 30 Nov 2019 07:05

The OnePlus 6 and 6T will soon be rocking Android 10. (Image source: goandroid.co.in)

OnePlus 6 and 6T receive a fresh Android 10 beta update ahead of imminent release

OnePlus' Android 10 rollout to the 6 and 6T has been beset by issues, but things could be on the up. Having pulled the update earlier this month, the company has now pushed out a new beta build to both handsets. OnePlus was hopeful that it would re-release Android 10 to the 6 and 6T this week, but that timeline has slipped once again.

Alex Alderson, 30 Nov 2019 00:50

The Redmi Note 8 Pro, not to be confused with the Mi Note 10 Pro. (Image source: Gizmochina)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro picks up Android 10, sort of

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro has now started receiving Android 10-based builds of MIUI 11, having been spotted on Geekbench running Android 10 earlier this month. The 1.9 GB update contains the November 2019 set of security patches too, along with a few MIUI 11-related optimisations.

Alex Alderson, 30 Nov 2019 00:38

Google has some offers for Black Friday. (Source: Google)

Deal | Google's Black Friday sale makes its Pixel prices look much more reasonable

The Google Pixel 4 series started at US$799 at launch. However, the OEM's Black Friday event brings it down to $200 off each variant. Their predecessors are also included in this sale, as are the Pixel 3a and 3a XL.

Deirdre O Donnell, 29 Nov 2019 21:16

The Lepow portable monitor. (Source: Lepow)

Deal | The Lepow FHD USB type C portable monitor is going on a 30% off sale

Lepow has announced a 30% discount on its portable monitor as of tomorrow (November 30, 2019). This product is a 15.6-inch display with a built-in stand-cover and dual speakers. It has USB type C and mini HDMI ports so as to be compatible with mobile devices, PCs and consoles.

Deirdre O Donnell, 29 Nov 2019 20:17

Some Galaxy A models may improve on their predecessors in at least 1 way. (Source: MySmartPrice)

New leak points to Galaxy A10, A30 and A40 successors with improved storage specs

The leaker Ishan Agarwal claims to have heard that the Samsung Galaxy A11, A31 and A41 are definitely in the works. Furthermore, these low- to mid-range smartphones will have more internal memory compared to their first generations. They are all thought to launch in 2020.

Deirdre O Donnell, 29 Nov 2019 19:40

EMUI 10 may be the final version of Android that the Mate 20 Lite receives. (Image source: revu.com.ph)

Android 10 reaches the Huawei Mate 20 Lite

Huawei is finalising EMUI 10 for the Mate 20 Lite, and has now made the OS update available to download via its HiCare app. The build has a few minor bugs, but that it is to be expected from a release preview.

Alex Alderson, 29 Nov 2019 18:43

Finally good value for money: Get the 108 MP Mi Note 10 for just US$466

While we're fans of the Mi Note 10, its US$610 MSRP was rather off-putting, and we recommended potential buyers to wait for a sale if they planned to buy the device. Well, here's one such deal. The Mi Note 10 can now be had for just US$466, about US$140 off its MSRP.

Ricci Rox, 29 Nov 2019 13:30

The S10e is receiving the Android 10 update. (Source: ZDNet)

The Samsung Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e are now receiving the stable Android 10-based One UI 2.0 update

A series of official Samsung Android 10 rollout roadmaps all cite the Galaxy S10 phones as billed to receive the stable Android 10 update in January. That isn't the case for all regions, though, as some owners of the S10, S10+, and S10e are already confirming receipt of the OTA.

Ricci Rox, 29 Nov 2019 13:02

The first generation Asus ROG Phone is finally receiving the Android Pie update

Over a year after going on sale, the first-gen Asus ROG Phone is now receiving the Android Pie update. Yes, you read that correctly; Pie, not Android 10. The rollout is a staged one and the OTA will get to all users of the device over the next few days.

Ricci Rox, 29 Nov 2019 13:01

Nubia Red Magic 3S gaming smartphone will be $50 off for this week only (Image source: Nubia)

Nubia Red Magic 3S gaming smartphone will be $449 for this week only

The Red Magic 3 wants to prove that you don't have to spend $800+ on a high-end gaming smartphone. The latest model with the Snapdragon 855 Plus SoC and UFS 3.0 storage will be only $450 USD until December 3.

Allen Ngo, 29 Nov 2019 09:00

The Redmi Note 7S was released in 2019. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Update | Xiaomi Redmi Note 7S goes up in flames but manufacturer attributes it to "customer induced damage"

A Redmi Note 7S owner has reported a fault with his device that he believes caused it to explode. The user claimed that the smartphone was treated in a normal manner and wasn’t even charging when it caught on fire. However, after a thorough examination of the melted handset, Xiaomi has concluded it was caused by “customer induced damage”.
Xiaomi has provided Notebookcheck with an updated statement in regard to this incident.

Daniel R Deakin, 28 Nov 2019 22:48

Twitter may not delete inactive accounts after all. (Source: Twitter)

Twitter walks back its plan to cull inactive accounts

Recently, reports of Twitter's intentions to delete inactive accounts, starting December 2019, came to light. However, the company has come up against resistance to this idea from more vocal users. Their main objection appears to be that the move would result in the removal of the timelines of the dead.

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Nov 2019 21:33

The Asus ZenFone 5z officially gets upgraded to Android 10

Recently, Asus released an Android 10 beta for the ZenFone 5z. Now, the phone has a stable build that will be rolled out to users in general. This update adds a dark theme and a more streamlined UI to the 2018 flagship.

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Nov 2019 20:58

A new leak hints at a Galaxy Note 10 variant with Note 9 internals. (Source: The Express)

A phone that may be the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite shows up on Geekbench

The Samsung SM-N770F has shown up on the Geekbench 5 database. This phone is thought to become the latest addition to the Galaxy Note 10 family. Its new leak shows that it is a 6GB device with the Exynos 9810 SoC.

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Nov 2019 20:20

The Galaxy M30s, a battery monster that comes in three colours. (Image source: Samsung)

Samsung Galaxy M30s: An affordable handset with unrivalled battery life

The Samsung Galaxy M30s is a triumphant midrange smartphone. The phablet not only has a large, bright and colour accurate AMOLED panel but also class-leading battery, among other positives. If you need a smartphone to last over a day between charges, then the Galaxy M30s could be the device for you.

Alex Alderson, 28 Nov 2019 18:09

The Reno3 Pro 5G looks set to dominate the mid-range 5G segment when it launches next month alongside the regular 4G LTE variant. (Source: Oppo)

The Oppo Reno 3 Pro 5G looks set to give Samsung's mid-range Galaxy A90 5G a headache

Oppo’s VP of Global Marketing Brian Shen has tweeted out the first official teaser for the forthcoming Reno3 Pro 5G handset. According to Shen, the device is 7.7 mm thin putting it on track to be the thinnest dual-mode mid-range 5G handset on the market when it launches next month.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 28 Nov 2019 12:13

Samsung has launched its new PC game streaming service in beta starting with the Galaxy Note 10. (Source: Samsung)

Stream PC games to your Galaxy smartphone with the new PlayGalaxy Link beta from Samsung

Samsung has decided it wants in on the PC game streaming action. The company has just launched its own solution for streaming PC games to its Galaxy smartphones called PlayGalaxy Link that works over both Wi-Fi and Cellular networks.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 28 Nov 2019 11:31