Smartphone

Renders for ZTE foldable clamshell smartphone are strangely reminiscent of the Game Boy Advance SP

Drawings in a patent filing made by ZTE have been turned into renders by LetsGoDigital. The device in the renders can be described as a foldable smartphone utilizing a clamshell form factor. The ZTE smartphone folds over itself and leaves an exposed portion of the display. It looks oddly reminiscent of a Game Boy Advance SP handheld game console.

Daniel R Deakin, 08 Mar 2019 07:23

New AnTuTu rankings released, Xiaomi Mi 9 tops

AnTuTu has released its Android rankings for the month of February, with Xiaomi's new flagship, the Mi 9, sitting comfortably in first. Rather surprisingly, the Huawei Mate 20 places fourth.

Ricci Rox, 07 Mar 2019 21:30

Patent further corroborates rumors of the Essential PH-2 sporting an in-display selfie camera

Time after time, information continues to allude to the potential release of a second-generation Essential Phone. While nothing is certain, we could be set to get a PH-2, and a patent filed by Essential points towards an in-display selfie camera on the device.

Ricci Rox, 07 Mar 2019 21:28

The MediaTek Helio P90's predecessor may be an even higher-end SoC. (Source: MediaTek)

An upcoming 7nm MediaTek SoC will also be 5G-capable

A MediaTek business executive has told Android Authority that the company is working on a chip that has a 7-nanometer (nm) architecture and will have 5G connectivity. This processor may out-perform the Helio P90, the company's current flagship SoC. Therefore, MediaTek is likely to target the more premium end of the market with this future product.

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Mar 2019 17:40

New Snapdragon 855-powered devices show up on Geekbench, all of which could be the next Xiaomi Black Shark

Multiple new entries for the same device - a 'blackshark AAA' - have appeared on the Geekbench 4.3 database. They are all powered by the same SoC, which is likely to be the Snapdragon 855. Interestingly, all but 2 of the 10 listings specify 12GB of RAM.

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Mar 2019 16:39

These putative new iPhones may have to wait a long time for 5G. (Source: AppleInsider)

Apple's first 5G iPhone may end up even more delayed than currently thought

Bloomberg's most recent report on Apple and its next-generation modem woes suggest that the company is in even more trouble than previously imagined. Its choices for 5G hardware in future iPhones are apparently limited and come with compromises. Therefore, it JUST may skip this feature in 2020 as well as 2019.

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Mar 2019 15:33

The OPPO F11 Pro is now available for sale in India. (Source: OPPO)

The OPPO F11 and 11 Pro launch in India

The OPPO F11 Pro has been characterized as a phone that would come out with a pop-up selfie camera on release. These leaks have been vindicated at its launch. It was also joined by the F11, a second variant of the same basic phone, but with a water-drop notch to house its own front-facing camera.

Deirdre O Donnell, 06 Mar 2019 22:18

Nintendo games may be part of a microtransaction problem. (Source: Geek Insider)

Nintendo asks its mobile-gaming partners to rein in their microtransactions

According to a new report in the Wall Street Journal, Nintendo has at least started to intervene in order to prevent disproportional amounts of in-game transactions in the titles it has licensed to Android and iOS developers. This may reflect the increasing drive to regulate such charges, which can lead to significant profits as a result of using free apps.

Deirdre O Donnell, 06 Mar 2019 20:14

The Meizu Note 9 in its 3 new colors. (Source: Meizu)

The Meizu Note 9 launches in China

The Meizu Note 9 is one of a handful of phones that rocks the new 48MP Samsung camera sensor. It has been launched today in China for prices ranging from about US$208 to $238, depending on the variant selected. However, it will not be on sale until March 11, 2019.

Deirdre O Donnell, 06 Mar 2019 18:03

The Galaxy Fold is just the first of at least three foldable smartphones from Samsung. (Source: Tom’s Guide)

Samsung has another two foldables in the works

Samsung is already preparing at least two new types of foldable smartphones to follow the Galaxy Fold. The new devices fold differently with one said to fold top to bottom, like a classic flip phone, while the other will fold outwards along the lines of the Huawei Mate X.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 06 Mar 2019 11:19

Corning doesn't want to miss out with the foldable generation of smartphones. (Source: Nikkei Asian Review)

Corning is working on Gorilla Glass for foldable smartphones but it could take years

It has been reported that Corning is working on flexible glass that will be strong enough to use with foldable phones. Presently, foldable devices rely on plastic polymers because of their flexibility. However, Corning wants to eventually create a glass product that offers the useful properties of the plastic polymer screens but with the quality and hardness of glass.

Daniel R Deakin, 06 Mar 2019 09:54

The Meizu Zero has failed to secure funding. (Source: NDTV Gadgets)

The Meizu Zero crowdfunding campaign has ended in failure

The Meizu Zero was a novel prospect for the smartphone world: a device with no ports or buttons whatsoever. Its maker had been assessing the demand for this idea via a campaign on Indiegogo. However, it has failed to achieve its goal of US$100,000, securing only about 45% of this figure.

Deirdre O Donnell, 05 Mar 2019 23:04

Messenger's dark mode is up and running. (Source: Facebook)

Facebook Messenger's Dark Mode is now available for activation

A new feature in Facebook's Messenger app - Dark Mode - has been in the works for some time now. A Redditor has recently noticed that it can be activated by sending a specific emoji. The new Mode may particularly benefit those with light sensitivities or whose devices have OLED screens.

Deirdre O Donnell, 05 Mar 2019 19:32

The USB 4.0 connectors are based on the current Thunderbolt 3 ones and will enable similar speeds for consumer devices starting 2H 2019. (Source: Intel)

USB 4.0 specs bring Thunderbolt 3 speeds to consumer devices

The USB Promoter Group has been collaborating with Intel in order to release the USB 4.0 standard based on the USB-C interface with Thunderbolt 3 support. The new USB ports will enable data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps and will provide support for multiple data and display protocols, as well as advanced power delivery features for fast charging devices.

Bogdan Solca, 05 Mar 2019 19:01

HTC hopes to drive sales in India through brand-licensing

HTC is reportedly in talks with a number of Indian smartphone firms to license its hardware under their brands. These phones will apparently target the Rs 10,000- (about US$141) or-more section of this market. The Taiwanese OEM hopes to compete with the likes of OPPO and Xiaomi as a result of this move.

Deirdre O Donnell, 05 Mar 2019 18:43

Microsoft Edge is being re-vamped with numerous Chromium tweaks. (Source: Microsoft)

Images of Chromium-based Edge emerge online

The new version of Microsoft Edge, a browser whose development is now driven by that of Chromium's, has been leaked in a set of images by Neowin. They show a browser that will indeed ring a number of bells for those who follow the open-source project. However, there is a Microsoft extensions store and Bing integration.

Deirdre O Donnell, 05 Mar 2019 18:03

Opinion | By all indications, the Nokia 9 PureView's cameras were not designed with the average user in mind

HMD Global released the Nokia 9 PureView a few weeks ago, and the first batch of camera reviews from various outlets are finally in. While photos taken by the flagship's five rear cameras are excellent, it’s become painfully obvious that the phone's cameras weren’t designed for the average smartphone user.

Ricci Rox, 05 Mar 2019 14:10

Purported render of the Honor 20. (Source: Venkatesh)

Details of the Honor 20 surface - 48 MP, triple rear cameras, Kirin 980, 108 DxOMark score

Huawei's high-value brand, Honor, is set to launch its next premium device in the coming months. Details of the Honor 20 have now surfaced, throwing light on a device with a specification sheet that mirrors the Huawei P20 Pro's.

Ricci Rox, 05 Mar 2019 13:27

The Meizu 16S misses a notch, slider, or punch-hole. (Source: Slash Leaks)

The Meizu 16s is coming, and we're pretty excited about it

Chinese underdogs Meizu are set to release their flagship for the year next month. The Meizu 16s is expected to feature a Snapdragon 855, 6 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage, and a 48 MP camera. It will also ignore the punch-hole, notch, and slider in favor of incredibly slim bezels. Most importantly, it will cost under US$500.

Ricci Rox, 05 Mar 2019 13:12

Samsung may have packed the Galaxy S10 to the brim with tech, but pre-orders are down in its home market. (Source: Samsung)

Galaxy S10 pre-orders down on S9, Note 9 in home market

It’s a tough gig launching smartphone in the high-end market these days with even Apple hitting a downturn. If Samsung was hoping the vaunted all-new Galaxy S10 might help turn things around, pre-orders in its home market of South Korea suggest that it might have an uphill battle.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 05 Mar 2019 10:54

The Samsung Galaxy S10 has a 6.1-inch AMOLED with 550 pixels per inch. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung Galaxy S10 sets 13 DisplayMate records and bags highest A+ grade ever

The Samsung Galaxy S10 smartphone has been thoroughly tested by DisplayMate and apparently passed with flying colors. The display quality company has awarded the flagship with its highest A+ grade ever, and the S10 has also been given a Best Smartphone Display Award. To add to those accomplishments, the Samsung device also set or matched 13 DisplayMate records.

Daniel R Deakin, 05 Mar 2019 10:24

Like last year's A9, the A60 will feature three rear cameras. (Source: GSMArena)

New leak details the upcoming Samsung Galaxy A60 in style

Samsung appears to be giving a lot of attention to its new Galaxy A sub-line, The company released the A10, 130, and A50 last week, and is set to follow them up with a number of devices. One of those will be the Galaxy A60, a sub-premium phone sporting a triple rear camera setup, a Snapdragon 675, a 32 MP selfie camera, and a 4500 mAh battery.

Ricci Rox, 05 Mar 2019 08:47

Realme unveils the new Realme 3 budget phone with a big 4230 mAh battery

OPPO's budget sub-brand, Realme, has unveiled the latest device straight from its stables. The Realme 3 features a 6.2-inch HD+ display, a 13 MP + 2 MP dual rear camera setup, a 13 MP selfie camera, and a 4230 mAh battery. Prices start at US$125.

Ricci Rox, 05 Mar 2019 08:36

A render of what the Essential Phone 2 could possibly look like. (Source: YouTube/Science and Knowledge channel)

Essential gives PH-1 Phone users Digital Wellbeing; PH-2 concept video wows viewers but fails to convince

Essential has informed PH-1 phone users that the latest security patch from Google is now available. However, the March update brings a welcome new feature for owners of the Essential Phone: Support for Google’s Digital Wellbeing app. A concept video of the rumored Essential Phone 2 (PH-2) has been entrancing viewers with its looks and supposedly “leaked” information.

Daniel R Deakin, 05 Mar 2019 08:23

Google has released the March update for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. (Source: BGR)

Some Google Pixel 3 owners are reporting improved storage performance after latest software update

Some Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphone owners have been reporting that the March update for their devices has optimized read/write storage performance to a considerable degree. Images of AndroBench comparisons between February’s update and March’s update show some benchmark results drastically improving.

Daniel R Deakin, 05 Mar 2019 07:07

Huawei could be working on a slider phone for the midrange market. (Source: LetsGoDigital)

Huawei's solution for a full-screen device could be a slider phone

LetsGoDigital has produced some renders of a potential Huawei smartphone that utilizes a sliding mechanism. The images are based on a patent the Chinese company applied for with the World Intellectual Property Organization. The slider features a front-facing dual camera setup with a flash between the lenses.

Daniel R Deakin, 05 Mar 2019 04:58

WhatsApp is working on a new and improved search function

WhatsApp working on advanced search function with previews

The WhatsApp search feature as we currently know it works pretty well. However, there is definitely still room for improvement. The popular messaging app seems to share the same view and is currently working on an advanced search function for both the iOS and Android operating systems.

Daniel Puschina, 05 Mar 2019 01:33

Meizu Note 9 on TENAA, now spotted on Geekbench early March 2019

Qualcomm Snapdragon 675-powered Meizu Note 9 hits Geekbench

After quite a few leaks and rumors, the soon-to-be-released Meizu Note 9 finally surfaced on Geekbench. The listing confirms a few key elements of this handset, which sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 processor, no less than 6 GB of memory, and Google's Android 9.0 Pie mobile operating system.

Codrut Nistor, 04 Mar 2019 21:42

Energous is a start-up that claims to have developed a truly-wireless charging system. (Source: Energous)

Vivo has set up a collaboration to test out truly wireless charging tech for its phones

A start-up called Energous has announced a collaboration with Vivo. This move could bring Energous' over-the-air charging technology, WattUp 2.0, to the smartphone OEM's devices. Vivo has said that this move could alleviate "battery anxiety" for its customers.

Deirdre O Donnell, 04 Mar 2019 19:35

The Xiaomi Mi Max and Mi Max Prime may have helped kick the giant-screen trend off. (Source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi will cease official software support for the Mi Max and Mi Max Prime in April

Xiaomi released its first iterations of the Mi Max line in 2016, and they have received regular software updates ever since. However, the OEM has announced that the Mi Max and Mi Max Prime will see its final stable build in April 2019. It will be MIUI 10.3 based on Android Pie.

Deirdre O Donnell, 04 Mar 2019 18:31

A potentiallly critical bug has been found through the use of a Vu Android TV. (Source: NDTV Gadgets)

A Twitter user claims an Android TV allowed access to other users' Google Photos data

An Indian Twitter user has alleged that an Android TV to which he had access allowed him to see all the other accounts linked to the same via the Google Home app. The bug in question also could have let him put their Google Photos-stored images up on the screen. Google has responded by temporarily suspending the app options involved.

Deirdre O Donnell, 04 Mar 2019 17:43

Upcoming Samsung Galaxy A90 rumored to be a China-exclusive device

A new report from China claims that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy A90 is an independent design of a local team and — unfortunately for the Samsung fans all over the world who would like to buy one — it will not go for sale in any other markets via the official channels. This handset will be Samsung's first one to feature a pop-up camera.

Codrut Nistor, 04 Mar 2019 10:38

Microsoft Excel will convert photo data into tables soon. (Source: Microsoft)

New version of mobile MS Office can convert photos into Excel spreadsheets

Microsoft has announced a useful new feature for Office on phones or tablets: the ability to convert an image of a table into one in Excel. The app will use optical character recognition (OCR) and AI to deliver this promising new function. However, it will be exclusive to Office 365 subscribers on Android at first.

Deirdre O Donnell, 03 Mar 2019 23:33

One of the new renders for the 'OnePlus 7'. (Source: OnLeaks/PriceBaba)

New OnePlus 7 leak replaces sliding mechanism with pop-up selfie camera

A new set of images on SlashLeaks purports to show the OnePlus 7. This leak suggests that the next phone from this OEM will have a bezel-less display. However, unlike the last, it alleges that this will be achieved via a pop-up selfie camera, and not a sliding mechanism.

Deirdre O Donnell, 03 Mar 2019 18:50

The Samsung Galaxy S10+. (Source: Samsung)

The Samsung Galaxy S10+ costs just US$420 to build

According to Tech Insights, Samsung's new flagship, the Galaxy S10+, cost US$420 to build. That represents a US$40 increase over the manufacturing cost of last year's S9+, while the devices' MSRPs show a massive US$160 differential.

Ricci Rox, 03 Mar 2019 14:58

The Nokia 9 Pureview. (Source: 9to5Google)

The pentalens Nokia 9 PureView is coming to the US today, $100 off for the first week

The Nokia 9 PureView was unveiled last week at MWC and is now available in the US starting today. The device's selling point is its penta-lens camera setup that has been shown to take photos with incredible depth and details. The Nokia 9 has a US$700 MSRP but those who hit the buy button this week will get an extra US$100 shaved off.

Ricci Rox, 03 Mar 2019 14:57

The Samsung Galaxy A30 and A50. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung launches the mid-range Galaxy A10, A30, and A50 in India

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy A30 and A50 at MWC last month, and the devices have now made the trip over to India, with the A50 starting at US$280. The duo will be joined by the A10 later in the month.

Ricci Rox, 03 Mar 2019 14:56

Tim Cook hypes up yet to be revealed Apple products to shareholders. (Source: Macworld)

Apple set to "roll the dice' on some products Tim Cook says will "blow you away"

Apple CEO Tim Cook has promised shareholders that it plans to bounce back from a weaker than expected holiday quarter by "rolling the dice" on new products that will "blow you away." Although not revealing what Apple has in stall, it has raised some intriguing speculation on what it might have in the pipeline.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 03 Mar 2019 06:33

Samsung's Galaxy A series offers a wide range of decent midrange smartphones. (Source: India Today)

Samsung Galaxy A40 with Exynos SoC rumored to have a European price tag of €249

MySmartPrice has reported that the Samsung Galaxy A40 smartphone will be sold in Europe, at a price of €249 (~US$283). The device will be part of the same series as the recently launched A10, A30, and A50 smartphones. The A40 is expected to hit European markets soon and may also be sold in India at some point in the future.

Daniel R Deakin, 03 Mar 2019 03:02

Deal | The Razer Phone 2 is now available for US$500

Razer's second-generation phone is currently on sale for significantly less than its MSRP. The gaming phone features dual rear cameras, 8 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, IP67 certification, and a Snapdragon 845.

Ricci Rox, 02 Mar 2019 23:22

Huawei's new 55W SuperCharge will not be coming to the company's smartphones anytime soon

Huawei debuted a new form of its SuperCharge on the Mate X. The 55W fast-charging technology charges the Mate X's 4500 mAh battery from 0-85% in just 30 minutes, which is unparalleled in the industry right now. Sadly, the company doesn't plan on bringing the technology to any of its upcoming flagship phones.

Ricci Rox, 02 Mar 2019 23:21

TikTok has amassed over a billion downloads on iOS and Android

The short-video app TikTok has seen its billionth download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store combined. It has also rivalled Facebook and surpassed Instagram for app install counts in 2018. It was also the most-downloaded non-game app in the US in January 2019.

Deirdre O Donnell, 02 Mar 2019 19:50

The Samsung Galaxy S10 was even put through a flame test. (Source: YouTube/JerryRigEverything)

Samsung Galaxy S10 passes bend test in durability test video but the ultrasonic fingerprint scanner eventually fails

Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything fame has been putting a brand-new Samsung Galaxy S10 flagship smartphone through his brutal durability tests. The S10 had to face blades, flames, picks, and bends as it was verbally critiqued by the surprisingly mellifluous tones of the famous YouTuber. The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner was eventually put out of action.

Daniel R Deakin, 02 Mar 2019 08:36

The iQOO gaming smartphones are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 SoCs. (Source: Richard Lai/Engadget)

Vivo’s iQOO Monster gaming smartphone offers Snapdragon 855, 12 GB RAM, and 45-minute full recharge capability for under US$650

Vivo has released a series of new smartphones under its iQOO sub-brand. The iQOO devices are aimed at gamers and range from the base model with 6 GB RAM/128 GB storage up to the top-end variant (the iQOO Monster) that sports 12 GB RAM/256 GB storage. The smartphones come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 SoC and some of them feature Vivo’s 44 W Super FlashCharge technology.

Daniel R Deakin, 02 Mar 2019 08:32

The Realme 3 Pro is rumored to integrate a fast charging battery, plus the usual improved SoC and maybe more cams on the back. (Source: Realme)

Realme 3 Pro flagship teased on Twitter

The Realme 3 is very close to its official launch and, if the new teaser posted on Realme's Twitter account is any indication, a Realme 3 Pro premium mid-ranger is also coming in about a month. The Realme 3 Pro is rumored to get a fast charging battery, a better SoC and possibly a rear triple-cam setup.

Bogdan Solca, 01 Mar 2019 22:01

Can the Galaxy S10 series outdo the S9s? (Source: Times Now)

First hint that Samsung Galaxy S10 & S10+ are doing better than Galaxy S9 & S9+ at preorders has surfaced

The Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10+ recently went up for pre-order in China. According to the reliable tipster IceUniverse, they raked in twice the numbers in this process compared to their predecessors in a fraction of the same time-frame in this market. This suggests that the 2019 line is being received better than last year's already.

Deirdre O Donnell, 01 Mar 2019 19:31

The Snapdragon 5G module for notebooks. (Source: WinFuture)

MWC19 also revealed the 5G Snapdragon X55 module for notebooks

This year's Mobile World Congress (MWC19) focused heavily on more mobile tech, particularly as some acquired the ability to fold this year. However, this was also a stage for 5G this year. To this end, Qualcomm unveiled its X55 SoC-containing module for laptops at the show.

Deirdre O Donnell, 01 Mar 2019 18:43