Smartphone

Australian retailer has extended its unprecedented flagship iPhone price cuts. (Screenshot: Notebookcheck)

Australia’s JB Hi-Fi extends massive AU$320 iPhone Xs discounts till 1 June

Major Australian consumer electronics retailer JB Hi-Fi has extended its massive AU$320 discount on the 512GB variants of the iPhone Xs model until 1 June. The initial price cut was already unprecedented for current-generation flagship iPhone in Australia, but to see the deal extended till 1 June highlights just how much iPhone sales are stagnating.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 07 Apr 2019 11:35

Renders depicting what the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are expected to look like. (Source: @Onleaks)

Google Pixel 3a models make appearance in Google Store references

If you’ve been holding out for the rumored lower-cost Google Pixel 3a smartphones, you may not have to wait much longer. The devices have made an appearance in the Google Play Store site navigation as well as the Google Play Developer Console device catalog signaling that a launch isn’t far away.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 07 Apr 2019 09:17

The MiLi Table Mate pad can be installed on any non-metallic surface. (Source: MiLi)

MiLi wants to make any table into a wireless charging accessory

MiLi is a company that integrates its Furniture Mate wireless-charging pad into any table-top. It aims this product at those in the service industry and also to those who want decor that can charge an increasing number of phones at home. MiLi also makes the Table Mate, a similar pad that can be attached to nearly any table.

Deirdre O Donnell, 06 Apr 2019 21:55

This Android TV has started to show ads on the 'homescreen'. (Source: Amazon)

Android TV has ads in its launcher now

XDA contributors have noticed that the latest update to the Android TV OS has resulted in the appearance of "sponsored content" on the launcher visible from several kinds of device. They include the Sony Bravia X900F, the Mi Box 3 and NVIDIA's Shield TV. At present, this can be circumvented by uninstalling the updates from a specific app.

Deirdre O Donnell, 06 Apr 2019 20:16

The OPPO Reno's possible rear cameras. (Source: GizmoChina)

OPPO reportedly confirms 10X zoom and 48MP camera for new Reno line

OPPO has apparently released a promotional poster detailing the new carmera set-up of the upcoming Reno phone. It includes possible references to the long-awaited 10X zoom feature, as well as a main rear camera that is the 48MP Sony IMX586. The other two are a super-wide-angle 8MP module, accompanied by the 13MP shooter that will contain the new kind of zoom technology.

Deirdre O Donnell, 06 Apr 2019 19:33

Aukey's new Dynamic Detect could enable a device to get the most out of USB-PD chargers. (Source: Aukey)

Aukey unveils Dynamic Detect, a new fast-charging solution for USB-PD chargers

Aukey, a common name in USB power and mobile-device accessories, has launched a new technology called Dynamic Detect. It allows a dual-port USB-Power Delivery (USB-PD) charger to recognize the number of devices connected to it and allocate its full wattage accordingly. This could allow an ultrabook to fast-charge at the full wattage it needs.

Deirdre O Donnell, 06 Apr 2019 18:48

Certain Redmi phones will no longer be updated to new versions of MIUI. (Source: FoneArena)

Xiaomi is cutting support for several older Redmi phones

Xiaomi normally has a decent reputation for keeping its phones updated with new versions of MIUI, its version of Android. However, the OEM has recently announced that some Redmi phones from 2017 or earlier will no longer be receiving this support. It means that these devices will see no further software development, although they may still receive regular security updates.

Deirdre O Donnell, 06 Apr 2019 12:56

The Samsung Galaxy S10+. (Source: Samsung)

You can trade in any working Android or iOS device and get US$200 off your Samsung Galaxy S10 purchase

Samsung's trade-in program for the new S10 flagships has been mostly limited to older Samsung flagships, with total trade-in value topping out at US$550. The company is eager to ship as many units of the S10 phones as possible, though, and is now allowing buyers to trade in any smartphone and get US$200 off. There are a few conditions, however.

Ricci Rox, 06 Apr 2019 07:55

Can the Galaxy S10's fingerprint scanner be hacked? (Source: Phone Arena)

Samsung Galaxy S10 fingerprint sensor reported hacked on Reddit

The under-display fingerprint sensor built into the new Samsung Galaxy S10 is often perceived as the most secure. This is due to its state-of-the-art, ultrasonic nature that builds a 3D map of the user biometric in question. A Reddit user has claimed to have fooled it with a mock print made of resin.

Deirdre O Donnell, 05 Apr 2019 19:47

The first 5 nm chips are expected to launch in early 2020. (Source: overclock3d.net)

TSMC initiates risk production for its 5 nm node, reveals performance details

Initially scheduled for mid-2019, risk production for the upcoming 5 nm manufacturing process was already initiated at the end of March. TSMC also finalized the 5 nm design infrastructure and it is currently testing this process through multiple silicon test vehicles. Improvements over the current 7 nm process include 1.8X increased logic density and a 15% performance boost.

Bogdan Solca, 05 Apr 2019 19:31

The Realme 3 Pro could be the first upper-midrange offering from Realme. (Source: IndiaShopps)

Realme 3 Pro to feature Snapdragon 710 and OPPO VOOC 3.0 fast charging

We are getting to see new information about the upcoming Realme 3 Pro smartphone. The Realme 3 Pro is expected to offer significant bumps in performance and features compared to the regular Realme 3 and will also include OPPO's famed VOOC fast-charging tech. A Snapdragon 710 is expected to power the innards and the phone will be available in several RAM and storage variants.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 05 Apr 2019 19:00

The Xiaomi Star Trang telescope. (Source: GizChina)

Xiaomi reportedly set to release a new telescope for its 'Fan Day'

Xiaomi is said to be on the point of releasing a new product for 2019. This product is to be called the Star Trang telescope, and will be available for sale on April 9. It is set to cost about US$89, and is one of many gadgets the OEM may release for its "Fan Day" event in China.

Deirdre O Donnell, 05 Apr 2019 18:43

Qualcomm has had a staff re-shuffle at its higher echelons. (Source: Qualcomm)

Qualcomm lets its CFO and Executive Committee member go

Qualcomm has announced that George Davis, an executive who had served as the company's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the past 6 years, has left the firm. His immediate successor is David Wise, who also acts as senior vice-president and treasurer for the chipmaking giant. However, Qualcomm is also looking for a new CFO to replace him in the long term.

Deirdre O Donnell, 05 Apr 2019 17:43

Samsung is still the world's largest smartphone manufacturer. (Source: Android Central)

Not even Samsung's Galaxy S10 range can save the company's consolidated operating profit nose-diving by over 60%

Samsung Electronics has issued earnings guidance for the first quarter of 2019, and it shows that the tech giant’s operating profit has decreased dramatically from the first and last quarters of 2018. Issues such as the fall in memory chip prices and weaker demand for products like displays have affected the South Korean manufacturer’s financial performance.

Daniel R Deakin, 05 Apr 2019 11:45

The Samsung Galaxy A90 offers a novel solution for the selfie camera. (YouTube/Waqar Khan)

“Almost completely correct” sliding and rotating selfie camera shown off in fantastic Samsung Galaxy A90 concept video

A well-crafted concept video of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy A90 smartphone has been posted on YouTube, and it shows what is apparently the South Korean manufacturer’s solution for the pesky selfie camera. The camera setup is located on a sliding mechanism, which moves up from the rear of the device and the camera module can be rotated to face either the front or rear.

Daniel R Deakin, 05 Apr 2019 08:25

New images of the alleged Meizu 16s have been published online. (Source: DroidShout)

TENAA listing confirms Meizu 16s specifications; new images revealed

The main specifications for the upcoming Meizu 16s smartphone have been listed by TENAA, the Chinese telecommunications authority. Although a specific SoC is not mentioned, the CPU frequency of 2.8 GHz certainly points to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855. New leaked images of the smartphone show that it will not come with a notch or punch-hole selfie camera.

Daniel R Deakin, 05 Apr 2019 07:34

OPPO's apparent new take on smartphone pop-up and sliding mechanisms. (Source: LetsGoDigital)

OPPO's latest patent may be for the strangest pop-up phones yet

Pop-up components in smartphones are becoming increasingly familiar concepts in anti-notch technology. However, a tech blog claims to have uncovered patents that suggest the OEM OPPO is considering a different approach to them. The 'pop-ups' portrayed in them deploy things besides selfie cameras.

Deirdre O Donnell, 04 Apr 2019 18:34

Motorola has beaten Samsung to the world's first 5G phone. (Source: GizChina)

Verizon unexpectedly launches its 5G network - making the Samsung Galaxy S10 the world's second 5G phone

Verizon has started generating 5G service, surprising many in the industry as its launch date had been set from about a week from now. On the other hand, it is only available in either Chicago or Minneapolis, and in restricted areas of these 2 cities. Nevertheless, it means that the Moto Z3 is technically the world's first 5G phone.

Deirdre O Donnell, 04 Apr 2019 18:07

The Asus ZenFone 6 is all set for an official launch next month. (Source: MySmartPrice)

Asus ZenFone 6 shows up on AnTuTu with Snapdragon 855, 6 GB RAM, and Android 9 Pie

The upcoming Asus ZenFone 6 smartphone has surfaced on popular benchmarking site AnTuTu and has managed to put out an impressive score in line with other Snapdragon 855-powered phones such as the Xiaomi Mi 9. The listing also indicates that the phone will offer a 6 GB/128 GB variant and will run on Android 9 Pie.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 04 Apr 2019 17:09

Purism partners with Private Internet Access to develop a tracker-free VPN for PureOS and Librem 5 smartphone

In a new partnership announced today, Purism and Private Internet Access (PIA) have announced that the companies will develop a specialized VPN service for the Librem 13 and Librem 15 laptops as well as the Librem 5 smartphone. The VPN will be backed into PureOS and the Librem 5 out-of-the-box and aims to continue both Purism's and PIA's mission of protecting user data and privacy.

Sam Medley, 04 Apr 2019 17:00

The new Powerbeats Pro are AirPods in a different form-factor. (Source: Beats)

Powerbeats Pro announced: AirPod technology in a new, fitness-focused true-wireless earbud package

Beats has unveiled its new Powerbeats Pro on its website. These new earbuds are of the 'sports' variety, and thus have over-the-ear loops built into a completely wireless design. Like the new AirPods, they can activate Siri hands-free and have the new H1 chip for wearables.

Deirdre O Donnell, 04 Apr 2019 14:01

Samsung Galaxy S10 5G to hit Verizon on May 16

Samsung Galaxy S10 5G to hit Verizon mid-May

A rather cryptic Twitter message by popular leakster Evan Blass reveals that Verizon Wireless will add the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G to its portfolio on May 16. Sadly, there is no information about the price, but since this handset retails in its home market for the equivalent of around US$1,220, Verizon customers can figure out what to expect.

Codrut Nistor, 04 Apr 2019 10:42

The Google Pixel 4 may come with a Snapdragon 855 SoC. (Source: Droid Life)

Google Pixel 4 development accidentally confirmed

The Google Pixel 4 smartphone has been specifically mentioned in a discussion about code in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). There has been previous mention of a “2019 Pixel” made in an AOSP commit message, but the latest commit seems to suggest that the Pixel 4 is in the development phase.

Daniel R Deakin, 04 Apr 2019 10:14

Nokia X71 launched with triple rear cameras and a punch-hole - Will be rebranded as the Nokia 8.1 Plus

HMD Global, a few days ago, unveiled its newest device. The Nokia X71 features a Snapdragon 660, a triple rear camera setup that includes a 48 MP sensor and a wide-angle lens, a 16 MP selfie camera, and a 3500 mAh battery.

Ricci Rox, 04 Apr 2019 08:53

OPPO may have prepared "Super Night Scene" for the Reno line. (Source: Weibo)

OPPO may get litigious over Reno leaks

The concept of a whole new brand for OPPO could have been a major reveal for the company at its next launch event. However, this possibility has been disrupted by a multitude of leaks on the subject. Now, the OEM is said to have to be threatening a store with legal action over one of them.

Deirdre O Donnell, 03 Apr 2019 23:10

Huawei wants to make Honor the world's fourth-largest OEM

Huawei has big plans for its sub-brand Honor, which has achieved an impressive YoY growth in international shipments of 170 percent last year. While Honor is still far behind, Huawei is planning to make it the fourth-largest global smartphone maker as soon as possible, although it might take a while.

Codrut Nistor, 03 Apr 2019 20:35

The A7n brings 1 more GB of RAM and 8 additional MP for the selfie cam over the A5s. (Source: OPPO)

OPPO announces new A7n entry-level handheld

The A7n is the latest member of the entry-level lineup form OPPO. Most of the features like the MediaTek Helio P35 SoC, the 4 GB of RAM, the 1520 x 720 resolution and the 13 MP + 2 MP rear dual-cam setup are clearly meant to fit a tight budget. However, OPPO also added a few mid-range features like a bigger 6.2-inch display, 64 GB of storage and a 4,230 mAh battery.

Bogdan Solca, 03 Apr 2019 20:25

One of the new "OnePlus 7 case" renders. (Source: Twitter)

Alleged case-maker's renders for OnePlus 7 are leaked

A leaker often seen on SlashLeaks has posted a set of images on their own Twitter timeline. They apparently show the upcoming OnePlus 7 in a clear case. The account-holder claims these renders come direct from an accessories manufacturer.

Deirdre O Donnell, 03 Apr 2019 19:51

Google Duplex's expanded roll-out may now be in effect. (Source: Google)

Google Duplex is now migrating to phones beside Pixels

Duplex is the strikingly realistic voice-enabled arm of the Google Assistant. It can carry out tasks such as booking tables at restaurants for smartphone users in 43 US states. It had been restricted to doing so on Pixel-line phones only; however, an XDA contributor has claimed that it may now work on devices from other OEMs.

Deirdre O Donnell, 03 Apr 2019 19:06

Samsung Galaxy A20e leaked render (Source: AndroidPure)

Samsung Galaxy A20e hits FCC, might launch next week

After last week's visits at the Wi-Fi Alliance and Bluetooth SIG, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy A20e handset shows up once again. The FCC certification documents for the SM-A202F/DS model reveal a display size of 5.84 inches and the battery name — EB-BA202ABU — while lacking the resolution and capacity figures.

Codrut Nistor, 03 Apr 2019 16:55

The Samsung Galaxy S7 and Note FE have been relegated to a quarterly security patch schedule

The Samsung Galaxy S7 phones were released three years ago, and have now entered their last year of software support. The flagships received two major updates as promised and have now been relegated from the monthly update schedule to a quarterly one.

Ricci Rox, 03 Apr 2019 11:36

Apple would please many fans with a successor to the iPhone SE. (Source: Cult of Mac)

Apple might release three OLED iPhones in 2020; one could be an iPhone SE 2

A new report has stated that Apple could be planning on releasing three iPhones in 2020 that all feature OLED panels, which will probably be supplied by Samsung. As one of the 2020 phones is rumored to be coming in a 5.42-inch size, there has been speculation this could be a next-generation iPhone SE.

Daniel R Deakin, 03 Apr 2019 11:30

This Lenovo foldable concept features a dual display format. (Source: LetsGoDigital)

Lenovo foldable smartphone patent shows off its peculiar impracticality in renders

Some renders have been developed based on patent drawings made by Lenovo as part of a patent filing with the USPTO. The result is a rather odd foldable smartphone that not only looks peculiar in comparison to other foldable smartphones, but it also seems to reveal a number of impractical features.

Daniel R Deakin, 03 Apr 2019 09:43

The Red Magic Mars' successor may have done quite well on AnTuTu. (Source: GizChina)

Nubia's Red Magic 3 reportedly breaks AnTuTu ratings with 437,000+ score

ZTE Nubia is slated to release a new generation of its Red Magic gaming smartphone soon. A Weibo account-holder has posted screenshots that may show an AnTuTu benchmark score for this phone. Should it be proven accurate, the device is capable of attaining 437,524 points in this test.

Deirdre O Donnell, 02 Apr 2019 23:14

The G8 renders show a display identical to that of the One Vision, but the camera setup has 3 sensors instead of 2. (Source: OnLeaks)

Motorola Moto G8 gets leaked renders

The high-resolution renders of the alleged Moto G8 were provided by OnLeaks, who later on admitted that this model is most likely an updated P40 variant exclusive for the Chinese market. Apart from the rear triple-cam setup, which is said to feature 3 x 12 MP sensors, the display and case look very similar to the ones depicted in the previous One Vision renders.

Bogdan Solca, 02 Apr 2019 21:02

The Mate 20 line kicked the reverse-wireless charging trend off. (Source: GizmoChina)

2019 iPhones will support reverse wireless charging: Ming-Chi Kuo

Samsung followed Huawei into reverse wireless charging territory in 2019. Now, the respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo asserts that Apple will do the same. This feature would align nicely with the new capabilities of the AirPods.

Deirdre O Donnell, 02 Apr 2019 19:25

Samsung has been gradually releasing its Android 9 Pie based One UI to devices since December (Image source: Android Central)

The Samsung Galaxy S8 series and Note 8 have started receiving Android 9.0 Pie in the US

There have been multiple reports that AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile have started rolling out Android 9.0 Pie to the Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+ and Note 8. The OS update, which Samsung calls One UI, is being released along with the March 2019 security update.

Alex Alderson, 02 Apr 2019 19:17

ZTE Nubia Red Magic Mars Conqueror edition now available for US$549

ZTE Nubia Red Magic Mars Conqueror now available for just US$549

Unleashed worldwide almost two months ago in two versions — Essential and Superior — the ZTE Nubia Red Magic Mars gaming handset is now available with more memory, storage, and a camo design. This variant with 10 GB RAM and 256 GB internal storage goes by as "Conqueror" and can be acquired for US$549.

Codrut Nistor, 02 Apr 2019 18:55

A new possible promo image for the OPPO Reno. (Source: GizmoChina)

New leak claims that the upcoming OPPO Reno will have a DC dimming function

DC dimming is often used to modulate LED brightness in professional or business environments. It involves switching a DC input from between 0 and 10 volts. OPPO claims to have integrated it into the display panel of the upcoming Reno range of phones, although it may be more software-based than the typical implementation.

Deirdre O Donnell, 02 Apr 2019 17:56

An up-to-date render for the Galaxy Note 10. (Source: DBSDesigning)

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 could have a compact variant

Samsung produced a smaller-screen version of its S-line flagships this year. Now, a Korean news outlet claims that its sources have said the OEM will do the same with the Note series. However, this version may be exclusive to the European market.

Deirdre O Donnell, 02 Apr 2019 16:51

The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are now officially out of stock

Eighteen months after Google launched the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, the company has now pulled the old flagships off from its store shelves. Both devices saw massive discounts over the past three months, but it would appear that Google is getting set for its upcoming releases, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL.

Ricci Rox, 02 Apr 2019 08:48

Xiaomi shipped 1.5 million Mi 9 devices in just one month

Chinese OEM Xiaomi released the Mi 9 and MI 9 SE about a month ago. Since then, the company has shipped a million units of the Mi 9 worldwide, and half-a-million units of the Mi 9 SE—a device that's currently exclusive to the Chinese market.

Ricci Rox, 02 Apr 2019 08:43

The Meizu 16s is expected to cost around US$475 in China. (Source: Gizmochina)

Purported Meizu 16s achieves amazing score on AnTuTu

Another alleged test score for the Meizu 16s has been shared online, this time with the renowned Chinese benchmarking utility AnTuTu. The upcoming smartphone apparently managed to amass a total of 357,975 points, which puts it way ahead of some big name devices, such as the Xiaomi Mi 8 and OnePlus 6.

Daniel R Deakin, 02 Apr 2019 08:12

Over 60% of consumers surveyed said they had damaged their smartphone's display. (Source: Pixabay)

64% of smartphone owners have cracked their screens: new survey

Ting Mobile, a North American mobile service provider, recently conducted a survey of just over 1.400 smartphone users. It found that 64% of these respondents reported cracks in their screens, most of which (62%) did so through dropping their devices. The survey also found that only 11% repaired their own phones, whereas 64% would be interested in a DIY repair kit to help them do so.

Deirdre O Donnell, 01 Apr 2019 18:55

LG V50 ThinQ 5G with Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (Source: ZDNet)

Qualcomm Snapdragon 855-powered LG V50 ThinQ 5G coming on April 19

Two weeks after the announced release date of the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, LG will unleash its first 5G flagship upon the South Korean market. The LG V50 ThinQ 5G is expected to come with a free dual-screen flip cover, an improved cooling system for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, a 6.4-inch OLED display, and a 4,000 mAh battery.

Codrut Nistor, 01 Apr 2019 10:20

Prepare for some under-chin shots with this Xiaomi concept. (Source: LetsGoDigital)

Xiaomi gets creative with dual selfie camera placement

A fantastic render has been published showing what Xiaomi could be planning in regard to smartphone front-facing camera placement. The render is based on a patent made by the Chinese smartphone company, which of course, may never go further than the drawing board. But it does at least highlight how important innovation is for Xiaomi.

Daniel R Deakin, 01 Apr 2019 10:12

Exclusive | Wánxiào invents FOS Rapid Alloy that will revolutionize the global smartphone market by providing instant physical handset upgrades

Please note this was a joke article posted on April Fools' Day in 2019.
In an incredible leak, it has been discovered that a secretive Chinese technology startup called Wánxiào has invented a product called FOS Rapid Alloy that according to some industry insiders will turn the worldwide smartphone market upside down. Full-Organic-Surface (FOS) technology could make its way into the construction of the upcoming Samsung Neat 10, Huawei Mute 30, or even the rumored Apple fitness band iPhat.

Daniel R Deakin, 01 Apr 2019 00:01