Smartphone

A Huawei representative accepts the award from John Hoffman, the CEO of GSMA. (Source: Huawei)

The Huawei Mate X won a prestigious award at MWC19

Huawei has won this year's Best Connected Mobile Device of Mobile World Congress 2019 for the Mate X. The GSMA conferred this title on the new foldable phone at the end of MWC19 (on February 28, 2019) at the GLOMO awards event. Kevin Ho, who accepted the award on the OEM's behalf, said that his team were "very excited and honored" to receive it.

Deirdre O Donnell, 01 Mar 2019 18:18

The Huawei Mate 9 has started receiving the Android 9 Pie update.

Android 9 Pie now heading to Huawei Mate 9 series and Nova 2S

Huawei has commenced rollout of Android 9 Pie-based EMUI 9.0 to older flagships such as the Mate 9 series along with the Nova 2S in China. The rollout is happening as per expected timelines and should hit users in China this week followed by a global rollout shortly. Alongside the Mate 9 series, the Huawei Nova 2S, the Honor V9, and the Honor 9 are also getting their taste of Android Pie.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 01 Mar 2019 15:12

Asus publishes Android Pie update roadmap

Asus has recently revealed a detailed Android Pie update roadmap that includes a wide range of handsets that mainly belong to the Zenfone 4, Zenfone 5, and Zenfone 5 families. However, the official ZenTalk forum topic is currently under moderation (or has been removed), so we should expect some changes to the list mentioned above.

Codrut Nistor, 01 Mar 2019 09:48

The upcoming Snapdragon 855 successor should first be integrated in Samsung's Galaxy S11 models. (Source: Trusted Reviews)

MWC19 | Qualcomm's next flagship Snapdragon SoC to get embedded 5G modem

SoC-embedded 5G modems should help reduce production costs and decrease energy requirements. The successor of the Snapdragon 855 is scheduled to be Qualcomm's first SoC with integrated 5G modem and it should first be featured in the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S11-series. Qualcomm's upcoming flagship SoC is supposed to help with the adoption of the 5G standard through its 20 OEM partners.

Bogdan Solca, 28 Feb 2019 21:55

Light is already manufacturing 18-sensor arrays, but Xiaomi will probably not want to include more than 10 cameras to keep things compact. (Source: Light)

MWC19 | Xiaomi - Light collaboration paves way for affordable multi-module smartphone cameras

Nokia just released its model 9 Pureview smartphone with 5 rear cameras and it looks like the number is about to double soon. Xiaomi and Light are working on smartphone camera arrays that could integrate upward of 10 cameras, and the plan is to integrate them in both affordable models and premium ones.

Bogdan Solca, 28 Feb 2019 20:54

This potential feature is part of Google's Web development program. (Source: Google)

Chrome developers are preparing a new feature to make back/forward navigation faster

Google engineers are developing a 'back/forward cache' to reduce the latency with which Chrome returns to a previous page, or goes forward from one. This involves saving an entire webpage in memory, JavaScript included. While this may enhance the browser's UX, it also implies privacy issues.

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Feb 2019 20:35

The Redmi Note 7 Pro redefines value for money - Snapdragon 675, 48 MP Sony IMX586, US$200

Xiaomi's Redmi sub-brand, today, launched its new mid-range phone. The Redmi Note 7 Pro features a dual rear camera setup, with the main sensor being Sony's 48 MP IMX586—also seen on the Honor View 20 and Mi 9; Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 675; and a 4000 mAh battery.

Ricci Rox, 28 Feb 2019 20:33

OnePlus introduced a glass back on the OnePlus 6. (Source: CNET)

The OnePlus 7 will not feature wireless charging

According to OnePlus CEO Pete Lau, wireless charging is considerably slower than Dash Charge, and the company will not be implementing it on its smartphones. Prospective buyers who need wireless charging will have to look past the upcoming OnePlus 7.

Ricci Rox, 28 Feb 2019 20:30

Samsung launches the new Galaxy M30, triple rear cameras and 5000 mAh battery in tow

Samsung has launched its new device, the Galaxy M30, in India. The mid-ranger delivers a slew of impressive features including an AMOLED display, triple rear cameras, and a 5000 mAh. Quite the enticing package especially considering its US$210 base price.

Ricci Rox, 28 Feb 2019 20:28

Connected LED bulbs can often change color at the tap of a screen. (Source: TechHive)

New Google Home app update adds ability to control the color of smart-home lighting

The Google Home app can act as a one-stop shop for all your smart-home appliance control needs. Its latest update also adds the ability to tune the color of connected bulbs or lamps. This is opposed to the simple on-off switch found in previous versions.

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Feb 2019 18:56

The 'Meizu 16s' and its ultra-short forehead. (Source: SlashLeaks)

New leaked images suggest next Meizu flagship will be both notchless and punch hole-free

Meizu's next flagship smartphone, projected to be called the 16s, is linked to new images posted on SlashLeaks. They show a phone with a traditionally-placed selfie camera, but in an ultra-low-profile forehead. The bezels on this device are also minimal, so as to create a decent illusion of a full-screen display.

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Feb 2019 18:17

The new GoPro HERO 7 Dusk White. (Source: GoPro)

The GoPro HERO7 Black now has a limited-edition variant

The HERO7 Black is the top-spec'd SKU of its GoPro camera series. It is now available in a limited-edition alternative finish, Dusk White. This version will be released on March 3, 2019 on gopro.com and selected retailers worldwide.

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Feb 2019 17:52

The Huawei P30 Pro will pick up a smaller teardrop notch and a quad-camera set up on the rear. (Source: WinFuture)

Huawei P30, P30 Pro renders leak revealing all including a teardrop notch

Huawei’s keynote at MWC 2019 was all about the ultra high-end Mate X foldable smartphone. However, its next, far more accessible flagships, the P30 and P30 Pro are coming soon and have now been revealed in full.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 28 Feb 2019 11:28

The video for "Huawei Beauty" has everything from a child soldier to bizarre alcohol-related signage. (Source: YouTube/Hong Kong Free Press)

All around the world, which phone is the most pretty? Huawei, apparently

For those parents desperate to find a new catchy song to entertain children bored of watching “Baby Shark”, look no further. Not only is “Huawei Beauty” sung by a bunch of cute kids, the video also features a nifty dance routine and gives some handy advice about what brand smartphone you should own. Just try to ignore the unsubtle propaganda and occasional iffy imagery.

Daniel R Deakin, 28 Feb 2019 10:45

Motorola RAZR 2019 concept render (Source: Yanko Design)

Motorola confirms a foldable handset, no official name and release date yet

Although Motorola has not introduced its foldable phone at MWC, the company's VP of Global Product has just confirmed that the upcoming handset — rumored to bring back the legendary RAZR family — has been in development for a long time and will hit the market about the same time as the other such devices that have been recently unveiled by Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, and others.

Codrut Nistor, 28 Feb 2019 10:13

MWC19 | The F(x)tec Pro 1 brings slide-out keyboards back to smartphones

The F(x)tec Pro 1 is a modern take on the slide-out keyboard that was once so common on Android phones. While the physical keyboard is quite unique, the phone is running on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835, a two-year-old SoC. The F(x)tec Pro 1 is expected to launch in July for US $650, but pre-orders are open now.

Sam Medley, 27 Feb 2019 23:14

Compared to the V15 Pro, the Vivio X27 would come standard with 8 GB of RAM, a slightly better 13 MP wide angle camera on the back, and a bigger 3,920 mAh battery. (Source: GSMArena)

Vivo X27 full spec sheet hits TENAA

Vivo launched the V15 Pro mid-ranger just a week ago, however, the company is ready to announce another mid-ranger, this time for the X-series. Compared to the V15 Pro, the upcoming X27 would get a few upgrades like the 8 GB of RAM, a slightly better 13 MP wide angle camera on the back, and a bigger 3,920 mAh battery, but would also feature a slightly slower Snapdragon 710 SoC and only a 16 MP selfie cam.

Bogdan Solca, 27 Feb 2019 22:35

The RAVPower 14mm PD wall charger. (Source: RAVPower)

MWC19 | RAVPower releases its thinnest-ever 45W wall charger with PD

RAVPower, the well-known accessory-maker, has a stand at MWC this year. It showcases a new PD charger, an ultra-thin (14mm) 'wall wart' based on gallium nitride (GaN) technology. RAVPower also has a new wireless charging stand that is also a power bank.

Deirdre O Donnell, 27 Feb 2019 20:18

MWC19 | Nubia Alpha: the flexible wrist-phone unveiled at MWC

There is a new alternative to the foldable phone already. Nubia has unveiled the Alpha, a device with a screen that curves along a wide watch-like form factor. This display is 4 inches long, and operates using the Snapdragon 2100 wearables processor.

Deirdre O Donnell, 27 Feb 2019 18:30

Now also for iOS devices: WhatsApp Business, at least in the beta version

Beta version of WhatsApp Business for iOS released

We already know about WhatsApp Business for Android, and as of today it’s available to Apple users in a beta version for iOS. The main functions of the app are three messaging features.

Daniel Puschina, 27 Feb 2019 16:50

MWC19 | Nokia introduces three new budget phones: Nokia 4.2, Nokia 3.2, and Nokia 1 Plus

Nokia announced three new budget phones at MWC. The Nokia 1 Plus, Nokia 3.2, and Nokia 4.2 are decidedly low-end but are priced accordingly, coming in at US $99, $140, and $170, respectively. The phones will all ship with Android 9.0 Pie and will be a part of the Android One initiative, meaning they will receive software and security updates for at least two years.

Sam Medley, 27 Feb 2019 16:39

This Redmi Note 7 SKU featured in a new JerryRigEverything video. (Source: BGR.in)

The Redmi Note 7 goes through JerryRigEverything's bend test, fails narrowly

The Redmi Note 7 is a phone that is sold at US$150, yet has a 48MP camera to sweeten its budget deal. It arrived in the JerryRigEverything YouTube studio to undergo the by-now famous durability test. Unfortunately, the Redmi device fell at the final hurdle.

Deirdre O Donnell, 27 Feb 2019 16:14

The Energizer Ultimate U620S' dual pop-up selfie camera. (Source: Android Authority)

MWC19 | Energizer's new foldable smartphone is unveiled

Energizer, a brand known better for disposable lithium-ion batteries, has brought new smartphones made under its name to MWC. One is an extremely typical mobile device, although it has a dual pop-up camera. Another is a foldable prototype with specs to challenge Samsung or Huawei in the same regard.

Deirdre O Donnell, 27 Feb 2019 15:46

Be careful who you point a Nokia 9 PureView at. (Source: Trusted Reviews)

Trypophobia sufferers like PewDiePie won't be posing for photos taken with a Nokia 9 PureView

According to a report, people are taking to social media to share their concerns about the Nokia 9 PureView and its potential to trigger symptoms in those who suffer from trypophobia. In simple terms, trypophobia is a fear (or disgust) of groups of holes or bumps. The Nokia 9 PureView’s rear penta-lens setup has a pattern that could have trypophobic effects.

Daniel R Deakin, 27 Feb 2019 10:48

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9's successor may double its rear cameras. (Source: Samsung)

The Samsung 'Galaxy Note 10' could end up looking a lot like the S10 5G

SamMobile claims to be privy to exclusive information that points to a quad-camera set-up for the upcoming addition to the Samsung Galaxy Note line. This is the same number of rear-panel sensors found in the Galaxy S10's 5G variant. In addition, it is possible that the OEM may change its phablet's naming scheme this year.

Deirdre O Donnell, 26 Feb 2019 19:08

MediaTek MT6297 M70 will be the company's first multi-mode 5G modem (Source: MediaTek)

MWC19 | MediaTek Helio M70 MT6297 will be the company's first multi-mode 5G modem

MediaTek is also collaborating with Oppo, Vivo, Skyworks, Qorvo, and Murata to accelerate development of 5G components without impacting the thin profiles of next generation smartphones.

Allen Ngo, 26 Feb 2019 18:40

The Sony 5G phone. (Source: Pocket-Lint)

MWC19 | Sony shows its 5G phone prototype off at MWC

Sony has unveiled its own foray into 5G tech at the Mobile World Congress (2019). It is a phone that, with its 21:9 aspect ratio, resembles the new Xperia 1 closely. The OEM did not offer much detail on this device, besides that it is powered by the Snapdragon 855 and runs the X50 modem.

Deirdre O Donnell, 26 Feb 2019 17:33

The OnePlus 3/3T may have taken a step closer to Pie. (Source: OnePlus)

OnePlus may have started work on Pie for the 3/3T

Some time ago, the Android OEM OnePlus committed itsefl to provide an update to Android 9.0 (Pie) for its 2016 flagships, the 3 and 3T. However, it may have fallen behind in these plans recently. Now, a potentially important piece of evidence that the company has at least started on this project has surfaced.

Deirdre O Donnell, 26 Feb 2019 17:05

The Bixby Studio in Barcelona. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung has opened a Bixby Studio in Barcelona

It seems Samsung is doing more in Barcelona than MWC. The OEM has opened a Bixby Studio in the city's Plaza de Catalunya. This installation gives visitors a sense of what life would be like with Bixby-powered applicances and devices in it.

Deirdre O Donnell, 26 Feb 2019 16:24

The Huawei P30 Pro will have a rear-facing triple camera setup. (Source: Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends)

MWC19 | Real-world photos of the Huawei P30 Pro emerge; 5G variant could be in the works

Real-world photos of the upcoming Huawei P30 Pro have been printed online by Digital Trends. The intriguing collection of images unfortunately does not include a shot of the front of the flagship smartphone as the device in question was an incomplete prototype. The P30 Pro in the photographs has a rear triple camera setup and there is no sign of a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Daniel R Deakin, 26 Feb 2019 10:07

The actual weight of the Energizer Power Max P18K Pop is yet to be officially revealed. (Source: ExpertReviews)

Hands-on photos of the Energizer Power Max P18K Pop show the portly 18,000 mAh battery

ExpertReviews has published some hands-on photos of the Energizer Power Max P18K Pop and its ample 18,000 mAh battery. The smartphone, which Energizer has been displaying at MWC19, offers reasonable hardware on top of the stout battery that can also be used as a power bank. The P18K Pop has been priced at €600 (~US$681).

Daniel R Deakin, 26 Feb 2019 09:00

Indian variants of the upcoming Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro. (Source: Twitter/Ishan Agarwal)

Press renders and specifications of the Redmi Note 7 Pro revealed

Specifications for the Redmi Note 7 Pro from Xiaomi have been spotted on TENAA. The Chinese variant of the smartphone is expected to be released very soon with an Indian variant coming shortly after. Technology tipster Ishan Agarwal has shared some press renders of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro on his Twitter account.

Daniel R Deakin, 26 Feb 2019 08:05

The new, red BlackBerry Key2. (Source: 9to5Google)

MWC19 | BlackBerry launches its new Red Dual SIM variant of the Key2

BlackBerry had an announcement of its own for the MWC19 event. It was not for a new device, however, but for a new variant of the pre-existing Key2. It is a vibrant, red, dual SIM, 128GB version of this phone.

Deirdre O Donnell, 26 Feb 2019 00:35

MWC19 | MicroSD cards are getting faster and bigger

Western Digital and Micron both announced 1 TB microSD cards earlier today. At 1 TB, these will be the largest microSD cards upon release later this year. Additionally, the SD Association announced SD Express, a new protocol that will be part of the upcoming SD 7.1 specification. SD Express promises to bring transfer rates of 985 MB/s to SD cards and microSD cards, although there is no word on when the standard will be released.

Sam Medley, 25 Feb 2019 23:43

One of TCL's devices at MWC. (Source: TCL)

MWC19 | TLC's folding prototypes make it to MWC

TCL is one of a handful of companies to bring foldable technology prototypes to this year's MWC. Interestingly, this company's demo models include form-factors besides phone/tablets. However, their presentation was a little low on detail.

Deirdre O Donnell, 25 Feb 2019 23:00

The Spigen Cota-enabled Forever Sleeve. (Source: Ossia)

MWC19 | Truly wireless charging is closer than ever thanks to a Spigen/Ossia partnership

The popular case-maker Spigen is collaborating with Ossia, a true-wireless charging pioneer, to bring a phone case that integrates the necessary Cota technology to market. The two groups have brought renders of this product (which comprises a 'phone sleeve' and a transceiver) to this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC19).

Deirdre O Donnell, 25 Feb 2019 19:59

The Alcatel 3 is clearly the flagship of this new bunch at MWC19. (Source: Alcatel)

MWC19 | Alcatel showcases a new fleet of phones at MWC19

Alcatel has brought four new phones to show off at 2019's Mobile World Congress (MWC19). The 1X and 1S are bugdet-friendly options, whereas the 3 and 3L are slightly more premium. They have been finished with some attractive materials, and boast some up-to-date features such as AI camera enhancements and face unlocking.

Deirdre O Donnell, 25 Feb 2019 18:10

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

MWC19 | Samsung unveils the Galaxy A30 and A50 for lovers of sub-premium phones with massive batteries

Samsung's new Galaxy S10 phones may have a monopoly of the headlines at the moment but the company's new A30 and A50 are also interesting releases in their own right. The devices feature premium camera setups, Super AMOLED displays, and beefy batteries for power users.

Ricci Rox, 25 Feb 2019 14:16

The Xperia 10 and 10 Plus. (Source: Sony)

MWC19 | The Sony Xperia 10 and 10 Plus are the newest kids on the mid-range block

Sony generally has a reputation for releasing disappointing mid-range devices. The company's new Xperia 10 and Xperia 10 Plus attempt to cast off that label and while we won't be quick to claim them successful, the phones are undoubtedly an improvement on last year's models.

Ricci Rox, 25 Feb 2019 14:15

The Sony Xperia 1 features a 4K HDR OLED panel. (Source: Sony)

MWC19 | The Xperia 1 consolidates the best of Sony technologies into a flagship smartphone

Sony has announced its flagship Xperia 1 at MWC 2019 today. The Xperia 1 brings the best of Sony technologies across photo, film, and television, and aims to create an immersive viewing experience with its 21:9 4K OLED HDR screen. The Xperia 1 comes with 2019 flagship specifications and is expected to be available sometime late spring.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 25 Feb 2019 13:31

MWC19 | LG G8 ThinQ and G8s ThinQ offer a host of engaging features (hands-on photos)

The LG G8 ThinQ and G8s ThinQ flagship smartphones have finally made an official appearance. The G8 variant comes with numerous attractive features that should appeal to users, such as touchless commands and an OLED screen that doubles as a speaker. The G8 also has a Time of Flight (ToF) sensor, known as the Z Camera, as part of the front dual camera setup.

Daniel R Deakin, 25 Feb 2019 09:34

LG has announced the V50 ThinQ 5G flagship smartphone.

MWC19 | LG officially reveals the V50 ThinQ 5G and its optional Dual Screen (hands-on photos)

LG has unveiled the V50 ThinQ 5G flagship smartphone. The multimedia-devouring powerhouse is unsurprisingly 5G ready and houses a Snapdragon 855 behind its 6.4-inch QHD+ OLED display. For more enhanced content consumption, there is an optional Dual Screen for the V50 that will offer a greater viewing area for gamers or film fans to enjoy.

Daniel R Deakin, 25 Feb 2019 08:02

The Huawei Mate X also has a tent mode. (Source: AnandTech)

MWC19 | The Huawei Mate X has been previewed at MWC19 already

Huawei's first foldable phone, the Mate X, has been demonstrated to tech journalists in Barcelona as part of a preview event for the 2019 Mobile World Congress. The device has some similarities with the Samsung Galaxy Fold, but also has some unique features of its own.

Deirdre O Donnell, 24 Feb 2019 22:57

The Nokia 9 PureView with a penta-lens camera system is now official. (Source: HMD Global)

MWC19 | The Nokia 9 PureView redefines smartphone photography with five cameras for US$699

HMD Global has released the highly anticipated Nokia 9 PureView at MWC 2019 in Barcelona today. True to the rumors so far, the Nokia 9 indeed comes with a penta-lens rear camera setup that takes stunning images and is actually comparable to a professional full frame camera. HMD has incorporated enhancements at both the software and hardware level to make the most of the five cameras.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 24 Feb 2019 22:56

The Samsung Galaxy Fold gets demonstrated in a new product video. (Source: Samsung on YouTube)

The Samsung Galaxy Fold speaks for itself in a silent product video

Samsung has released a video showing off the new Galaxy Fold and demonstrated some device usage as well. Features like App continuity, camera, and Samsung Dex are briefly shown. While the video does not go into too much detail, and is actually silent for the most part, it does give a glimpse of what to expect when the device is made available later this year.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 24 Feb 2019 16:59

The Nokia 6.2 may have a 2019 front-facing camera. (Source: 91Mobiles/OnLeaks)

Nokia 6.2 may not make it to MWC19: new rumor

Some leaks have pointed to the 6.2 as Nokia's first phone to feature a punch-hole camera. However, it appears we will have to wait a while to confirm this. A HMD-focused leaker has asserted that the brand intends to focus on the 9 PureView instead at its MWC event.

Deirdre O Donnell, 24 Feb 2019 15:00