Smartphone

The Asus Zenfone 5 is a mid-range device that competes with the top dogs, DxOMark says

The Asus Zenfone 5 has made its way over to DxOMark, with the camera evaluation platform placing it alongside devices like the iPhone 8 and HTC U11. That's quite impressive for a US$400 mid-ranger.

Ricci Rox, 19 May 2018 16:01

ZTE headquarters. (Source: Digital Trends)

Samsung open to selling its Exynos SoCs to ZTE

ZTE may have found a way out of its current troubles, as word claims that Samsung is willing to sell its Exynos SoCs to the company, in a bid to expand its ARM processor business.

Ricci Rox, 19 May 2018 15:44

Xiaomi coming to France on May 22

Promising to bring a "new attitude" to Europe, Xiaomi is ready to enter the French market. The Chinese brand will open its first Mi Store in Paris on May 22, but more are expected to follow in other French cities over the coming months. Two days later, Xiaomi will also enter the Italian market.

Codrut Nistor, 19 May 2018 08:08

The Samsung Galaxy J series began in 2013 and features affordable handsets. (Source: Winfuture.de)

Official renders of the Samsung Galaxy J4 appear online

Official press photos of the Samsung Galaxy J4 have turned up online, and they show the device available in two different colors. The Galaxy J4 will be an entry-level smartphone featuring a Samsung Exynos 7570 quad-core SoC. No prices are currently available for the handset, and it is believed it will be unveiled at a Samsung launch event taking place on May 21 in Mumbai, India.

Daniel R Deakin, 19 May 2018 01:26

Netflix HDR now supports 11 smartphones and a tablet

Netflix HDR support now available for the Sony Xperia XZ2, Huawei's Mate 10 Pro, and the P20 family

The list of mobile devices with Netflix HDR support now consists of 11 smartphones and one tablet — namely the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 — and the last ones to be added are the Huawei P20, P20 Pro, Mate 10 Pro, as well as the Sony Xperia XZ2. The only plan with UHD content streaming support is Netflix Premium, priced at US$13.99 per month.

Codrut Nistor, 18 May 2018 23:08

The successor to the Nokia 3 is in the works

A tweet by tipster Roland Quandt has touted the existence of a successor to the Nokia 3. The Nokia 3.1 is said to be on the way and will be one of HMD's budget offerings for the year.

Ricci Rox, 18 May 2018 15:59

New leak details the LG V35 ThinQ

LG unveiled the G7 ThinQ a short while ago. That device will not be carried by AT&T, though, with the carrier said to be signed up for an LG flagship that will be exclusive to it, in the form of the V35 ThinQ.

Ricci Rox, 18 May 2018 15:16

Motorola Moto 1S Android handset (Source: Lenovo China)

Motorola silently intros the Moto 1S in China

The new Motorola Moto 1S is about the same device as the Moto G6 but comes with Lenovo ZUI 3.5 on top of Android 8.0 Oreo and ZUI branding on the back. This handset also sports a 5.7-inch full HD+ 2:1 display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage, a 12 MP + 5 MP main camera, and so on.

Codrut Nistor, 18 May 2018 13:35

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Android phablet still struggles to get Oreo (Source: Samsung)

Samsung halts the Oreo update for the Galaxy S7 lineup once again

Back in February, the Android Oreo update for the Galaxy S8 lineup was halted. Now, the new firmware for the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge shares the same fate as more users located in Europe are complaining of bootloops that occur once the update is complete. Not long ago, T-Mobile paused the rollout of the same update after being delayed.

Codrut Nistor, 18 May 2018 08:22

The OnePlus 6 Marvel Avengers Limited Edition comes in highly detailed packaging. (Source: OnePlus)

OnePlus 6 Marvel Avengers Limited Edition revealed in all its glory

OnePlus has just unveiled the OnePlus 6 device and hot on its heels comes the Marvel Avengers Limited Edition version. This variant of the new flagship phone is delivered in an Avengers-themed box that even contains an Iron Man-style protective case and a medal. The device will initially be available for the Chinese and Indian markets, priced at 4,199 yuan and 44,999 Indian rupees, respectively.

Daniel R Deakin, 18 May 2018 00:23

Would-be notched screen-protector from Olixar based on leaked iPhone schematics. (Source: 9to5Mac)

Is Apple prepping two designs based on the iPhone SE?

There is a lot of buzz surrounding the next iPhone SE at the moment with the odds favoring at least one new iPhone SE model to surface this year. However, there are currently two designs floating around, with one featuring a fullscreen bezel-less display and iPhone X-like notch, and another virtually unchanged externally, leaving some wondering what could be going on.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 17 May 2018 13:17

OnePlus 6 launched: A new design and all "the speed you need"

OnePlus entered the market half a decade ago with the US$300 OnePlus One, their invite-only “flagship killer.” Since then they have released increasingly more expensive phones, and the OnePlus 6 represents their biggest redesign for the last few years. Equipped with a Snapdragon 845, up to 8 GB of RAM, and up to 256 GB of storage.

Craig Ward, 16 May 2018 22:03

Samsung Galaxy A8 Star SM-G885F/DS Interoperability Certificate (Source: Wi-Fi Alliance)

Samsung Galaxy A8 Star receives its WiFi certification

The certification document spotted on the website of the Wi-Fi Alliance only shows a few details, as usual. Based on the information it provides, we can only confirm that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy A8 Star will launch with Android 8.0 Oreo onboard and features dual-band WiFi support.

Codrut Nistor, 16 May 2018 19:41

The Redmi Note 5 will be succeeded by a Redmi Note 6. (Source: XDA)

Dubious list of upcoming Xiaomi smartphones surfaces

An image showing a list of upcoming Xiaomi devices have surfaced. While there are items on the list that make some sense—Redmi Note 6, Redmi Note 6A, Redmi 6 Plus—a few others cast doubt on the veracity of the entire thing.

Ricci Rox, 16 May 2018 15:40

iPhone SE 2 billed for September release

The iPhone SE 2 has been in the headlines for a few weeks now. The successor to the pint-sized, cheaper iPhone released two years ago is on its way, and could very well be released sooner than expected, in September.

Ricci Rox, 16 May 2018 15:34

Nokia X6 officially unveiled - Snapdragon 636, dual rear cameras, 3.5mm jack

HMD has unveiled its new device, the Nokia X6. The X6 is positioned between the Nokia 6.1 and the Nokia 7 Plus in the company's lineup of devices and comes with a brilliant design, powerful processor, and capable cameras.

Ricci Rox, 16 May 2018 15:16

A leaked render of Xiaomi's answer to Apple's Face ID 3D facial recognition technology. (Source: Weibo)

Xiaomi's answer to Apple's Face ID emerges in render

Xiaomi looks set to be the first Android smartphone maker to hit the market with a true 3D facial recognition system to rival Apple's Face ID. As with Apple's solution, Xiaomi has adopted a notched display and the inclusion of an array of sensor and camera technology.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 16 May 2018 12:08

Verizon to bring 5G to Los Angeles by the end of the year

Los Angeles will get 5G connectivity from Verizon in the last quarter of 2018, joining Sacramento as a "progressive-minded" city. The carrier still has to announce one to three more cities that will be included in the first wave of commercial 5G deployment. Verizon already tested 5G networks in 11 cities throughout 2017.

Codrut Nistor, 16 May 2018 11:10

Samsung Headquarters. (Source: Social Barrel)

Canalys: Samsung dominates African smartphone market, Tecno in second

A report by Canalys has shown Samsung's dominance over the African smartphone market. The company shipped 3.4 million smartphone units in Q1 2018, up 42% from the same period in 2017. Tecno puts the pressure on from second place.

Ricci Rox, 16 May 2018 10:09

Canalys: Xiaomi recorded stunning 1500% year-on-year growth in Indonesia

While Xiaomi's worldwide growth has been worthy of accolades, the 8-year-old company's expansion in certain markets has been even more impressive. Case in point is the Indonesian market, where the company recorded a shocking 1500% year-on-year growth in shipment figures.

Ricci Rox, 16 May 2018 09:59

The TV alone is worth upwards of $300. (Source: LG)

Deal | LG is offering the G7 ThinQ with a free 43" 4K TV in Canada

LG is currently offering its latest flagship, the G7 ThinQ, on pre-order with a free 43-inch 4K TV. The deal is available from May 18 to May 31, and is exclusive to the Canadian market.

Ricci Rox, 16 May 2018 09:48

Honor 10 launched globally

Honor released its latest flagship at an event in London yesterday. The device, the Honor 10, will be available across Europe—unfortunately not in the US—and offers a premium package at a mid-range price point.

Ricci Rox, 16 May 2018 09:39

Every HTC Exodus phone will act as a separate node for a decentralized blockchain network. (Source: HTC)

HTC Exodus blockchain phone announced

Smartphone manufacturer HTC has announced the development of the HTC Exodus device, which is based on blockchain technology. According to the Taiwanese company, the Exodus will use decentralized applications (DApps) and offer a “built-in secure hardware enclave” that will make cryptocurrency ownership and transactions more straightforward for users of the smartphone.

Daniel R Deakin, 16 May 2018 02:18

The Oppo Realme 1 borrows the glossy diamond-cut design from the F7 and A3 models. (Source: AndroidCentral)

Oppo Realme 1 launching in India

Realme is Oppo's first brand created specifically for the Indian youth in search for a premium mid-range smartphone with affordable prices. The Realme 1 offers a large 2160 x 1080 6-inch IPS LCD screen together with a MediaTek Helio P60 octa-core SoC coupled with either 3/4/6 GB RAM and 32/64/128 GB storage. The camera setup includes a modest 8 MP selfie + 13 MP main.

Bogdan Solca, 15 May 2018 19:42

Huawei Mate SE receives full Oreo update

Huawei sent out the full, stable Oreo update to users of the Honor 7X a few weeks ago. The next device on the list is the Huawei Mate SE, an upgraded Honor 7X designed for the North American market.

Ricci Rox, 14 May 2018 17:50

Live image of the Nubia Z18 shows it redefining the term "bezel-less"

A new live image of the upcoming Nubia Z18 shows the device having no side bezels at all. Nubia's design game has been excellent in the past and we expect the Z18 to be the company's latest attempt at taking it up a notch.

Ricci Rox, 14 May 2018 17:40

The Snapdragon 710 will be built on a 10nm LPE process. (Source: Qualcomm)

Details of the Snapdragon 710 and 730 revealed

Details of Qualcomm's upcoming SoCs have surfaced. The company launched its 700-series at MWC a few months and is set to kick off the line with the Snapdragon 710 and Snapdragon 730, the latter of which will be built on a 8nm manufacturing node.

Ricci Rox, 14 May 2018 17:26

The new OnePlus 6 is arguably the company's best design yet. (Source: Winfuture)

OnePlus 6 leaks out in fully rendered glory, launching May 16

The OnePlus 6 has leaked in full with the first clear renders of the device, front and back. While some are undoubtedly going to be unhappy about its iPhone X-style notch, it is otherwise a beautiful design.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 14 May 2018 12:50

Trump tweet gives ZTE a lifeline

US President Donald Trump has posted a tweet indicating plans to reverse the US government's decision to block ZTE from purchasing vital smartphone components from US companies. The surprising move could save ZTE from oblivion.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 14 May 2018 10:57

Renders of the Moto Z3 Play. (Source: Android Headlines)

Evan Blass: The Moto Z3 Play comes in a stunning Deep Indigo

Motorola is set to release the successor to the Z2 Play in the coming weeks. More renders of the device have surfaced, showing it in a brilliant, unconventional indigo colorway.

Ricci Rox, 13 May 2018 12:48

Leaks suggest an Asus ROG gaming smartphone for Computex 2018

The Republic of Gamers name may be about to expand into new territory. Although a surprising concept, the idea may not be that far-fetched as there are already a small number of gaming-centric smartphones including those from Razer, Xiaomi, and ZTE. A ROG smartphone could theoretically be based off of Asus' existing ZenFone line of consumer smartphones to lower upfront costs of investment.

Allen Ngo, 12 May 2018 04:13

BlackBerry KEY2 gets official announcement date

The Twitter account for BlackBerry Mobile has teased an announcement date for the aptly named successor to the company’s KEYone smartphone: the KEY². According to the tweet, the KEY² will be unveiled in New York on June 7 at 10 a.m. The message features the slogan “An Icon Reborn.”

Daniel R Deakin, 11 May 2018 23:37

BQ unveils the Android One Aquaris X2 and X2 Pro, Snapdragon 636 and Snapdragon 660 in tow

BQ has unveiled its new mid-rangers in the guise of the Aquaris X2 and its Pro variant. Both devices are identical but one opts for a Snapdragon 636 and the other a Snapdragon 660. Prices start at US$370.

Ricci Rox, 11 May 2018 23:09

The S8 Lite comes in a charming red color option. (Source: Weibo)

Images | Samsung Galaxy S8 Lite could be set for May 21 launch

Renders of Samsung's next smartphone, the Galaxy S8 Lite have surfaced. The S8 Lite is said to be set for a May 21 launch and will feature a Snapdragon 660. Going by the renders, the device's design is nigh-identical to the S8's, but will likely be much cheaper.

Ricci Rox, 11 May 2018 22:55

Xiaomi Redmi S2 released - Snapdragon 625, dual rear cameras, $160

Xiaomi has unveiled its latest budget device, the Redmi S2. The S2 offers features like dual rear camera, EIS, and a Snapdragon 625...and comes with a US$160 base price tag. It could also be rebranded to be an Android One device in the near future.

Ricci Rox, 11 May 2018 22:48

The numbers 106, 116, and 126 point to where the hinge screen would be located. (Source: Free Patents Online)

Microsoft patent shows device with three displays

A recently published patent assigned to Microsoft appears to show a device with three screens. The illustrated foldable tablet has two seemingly regular-sized screens, and there is a third screen located on the hinge that separates the two main display regions. The patent for this interesting innovation was filed in November 2016.

Daniel R Deakin, 11 May 2018 22:32

Even the stylus looks the same as the previous version. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 looks almost the same as Note 8 in leaked marketing render

The leaked render presents a Galaxy Note 9 that is practically identical to the 2017 model. Rumor has it that the only differences will be related to the SoC, battery and physical height. Apparently there is no new stylus and no in-display fingerprint tech either. Why fix it if it ain't broke? Looks like 2019 will be the year for new cutting edge designs.

Bogdan Solca, 11 May 2018 22:05

Finally cracked the 5% barrier. (Source: Google)

5.7% of Android users now on Oreo, data shows

Google Play analytics for the month of May have been released. Going by the data, the percentage of users on Oreo has grown to 5.7%, nine months after the version of the OS was released. Quite surprisingly, the Nougat user base also saw slight growth.

Ricci Rox, 11 May 2018 01:42

Mysterious black dot message crashes Android and iOS apps

A body of text running around the Internet a few days ago put the fear of all things holy into Android users, as it froze—and sometimes crashed—applications with maximum impunity.

Ricci Rox, 11 May 2018 01:09

Huawei Y3 2018 Android Go smartphone with MediaTek MT6737M processor (Source: Huawei South Africa)

Huawei joins the Android Go crowd with the Y3 2018 smartphone

With the same price as the Nokia 1, the Huawei Y3 2018 is now available for purchase in South Africa. Its specs include a 5-inch display with only 854 x 480 pixels, a quad-core MediaTek processor, 1 GB RAM, and 8 GB internal storage, 2 MP and 8 MP cameras, as well as a 2,280 mAh battery.

Codrut Nistor, 10 May 2018 23:19

Finney will be available for purchase in H2 of 2018 through SRN tokens. (Source: SIRIN Labs)

World's first blockchain-connected smartphone Finney from SIRIN Labs gets detailed specs

SIRIN Labs managed to raise US$157.8 million for Finney's launch. The first ever block-chain connected smartphone will be released at some point in H2 2018, and the list of features now includes a high-end Snapdragon 845 SoC coupled with 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. It will also pack a highly secure cold storage crypto wallet and a host of hardware security features for all the virtual currency fans.

Bogdan Solca, 10 May 2018 19:11