Smartphone

The 3 nm fabrication process will replace the current FinFET semiconductors with the next gen MCBFET ones. (Source: Fudzilla)

Samsung releases roadmap to 3 nm fabrication process

Samsung wanted to prove that it is in no way behind TSMC when it comes to manufacturing process milestones. Even though TSMC is already rolling out a good chunk of 7 nm chips for various companies, it still does not use the EUV tech. Samsung will make full use of the EUV lithography by mid-2018, and then it plans to release 5 nm, 4 nm and 3 nm chips by 2022.

Bogdan Solca, 24 May 2018 20:36

The Honor 10 features a built-in Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI acceleration. (Source: Honor)

Honor 10 reaches one million sales in less than a month

Huawei’s sub-brand, Honor, has issued a press release to announce that the Honor 10 flagship smartphone has already managed one million sales. This is an impressive feat, considering the device was only released in China on April 27 and received a limited global launch on May 16. The Honor 10 has been praised for offering high-end features for a mid-range price.

Daniel R Deakin, 24 May 2018 07:25

The Helio P60 has been mostly successful, and MediaTek will attempt to build on that success. (Source: MediaTek)

MediaTek unveils the new Helio P22 for the mid-range

MediaTek has unveiled its new SoC, the Helio P22. The chipset is built on a 12nm manufacturing process and will offer stiff resistance to SoCs like the Snapdragon 450 and Kirin 659.

Ricci Rox, 24 May 2018 00:09

HTC U12+ unveiled in style

HTC has finally unveiled its new device, the U12+. The flagship sports a 6-inch QHD+ Super LCD display, a Snapdragon 845, IP68 certification, a quad camera setup, and a host of other features that make it one of the most impressive devices so far this year—on paper at least.

Ricci Rox, 24 May 2018 00:02

Vivo confirms the June 12 launch of its futuristic APEX notchless, full-display APEX smartphone. (Source: Vivo)

The fullscreen Vivo APEX is officially launching on June 12

First shown as a futuristic concept phone, the Vivo APEX is officially launching on June 12. The device avoids a display notch by incorporating a retractable selfie-camera that pops out of its chassis when required.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 23 May 2018 07:37

The Meizu 6T will go against the Redmi S2 for the crown of best budget camera device

Meizu is set to unveil its next device, the M6T, at an event in China, on May 29. The device will sport a dual rear camera setup and 18:9 device, and will go against Xiaomi's recently released Redmi S2.

Ricci Rox, 22 May 2018 15:30

The Xiaomi Mi Max 3 is set for a July launch

CEO of Xiaomi, Lei Jun, has announced that the company's Mi Max 3 will be unveiled in July. Details of the device remain unconfirmed but it's expected to be powered by a Snapdragon 660.

Ricci Rox, 22 May 2018 15:14

Samsung Galaxy S9+ in Sunrise Gold (Source: TechnoBuffalo)

Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ in Sunrise Gold finish coming next month, US availability not confirmed yet

US customers not happy with the three color choices locally available for the Samsung Galaxy S9 lineup might want to wait for a little longer, because it looks like the Sunrise Gold option might reach them in the coming weeks. Even better, it is rumored that the Burgundy Red Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ will land stateside as well.

Codrut Nistor, 22 May 2018 10:25

The new LG Q7 range focuses on audio and camera improvements. (Source: LG)

LG rolls out a trio of new Q7 models featuring high-end audio

LG has updated its popular Q6 with new Q7 models that the company is touting feature audio quality usually reserved for high-end devices, but at a mid-range price point. The new models retain the basic features of the 5.5-inch FullVision display Q6 design, but come with a number of tweaks.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 22 May 2018 09:52

OnePlus has done it — there are now lines of customers waiting to buy the OnePlus 6

The pre-launch event has proven successful in building even more hype surrounding the impending launch of the OnePlus 6. At least a couple hundred visitors were at the 4-hour event with many interested in purchasing the smartphone right away. For everyone else, the flagship phone will become available online starting May 22, 6 AM PST in two color options.

Allen Ngo, 22 May 2018 08:06

The RED Hydrogen One is expected to be released in summer. (Source: Verizon)

RED Hydrogen One holographic smartphone coming to AT&T and Verizon soon

It appears the innovative RED Hydrogen One smartphone is to be made available through AT&T and Verizon. Pre-orders for the novel device that sports a holographic screen are no longer being accepted at RED’s website, whereas Verizon is allowing those interested to sign up for updates. AT&T is planning a demo for the RED Hydrogen One in Los Angeles, June 2-3.

Daniel R Deakin, 22 May 2018 02:48

The Nokia X6 is already a smash hit in China. (Source: HMD)

Nokia X6 Chinese stocks depleted in 10 seconds

The Chinese branch of HMD Global reported that the entire stock of 700,000 Nokia X6 devices pre-sold in just 10 seconds. Another pre-sale is scheduled for May 31 and the stock is expected to be larger. Since the Nokia X6 already proved to be a hit in China, HMD Global now intends to bring it to the Western markets.

Bogdan Solca, 21 May 2018 21:04

The X50 5G modem could be integrated in mobile devices as well as desktop PCs. (Source: XDA Developers)

Qualcomm could allow OEMs to release several 5G smartphones this year

Major cities in the US and across the globe are testing 5G services throughout this year, and some areas might even get limited 5G connectivity in the second half of 2018. Tis has prompted some OEMs to pressure Qualcomm into allowing them to integrate the X50 5G modem and maybe even the upcoming Snapdragon 855 SoC in several smartphones that could launch by the end of 2018.

Bogdan Solca, 21 May 2018 20:16

Samsung Galaxy S Light Luxury (S8 Lite) Android smartphone with Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (Source: Samsung China)

Samsung Galaxy S Light Luxury (S8 Lite) now official in China

The rumored Samsung Galaxy S8 Lite is now official in China as the S Light Luxury. Its highlights include a 5.8-inch Infinity Display with 2,220 x 1,080 pixels, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB internal storage, and a 3,000 mAh battery. The phone has no dual camera setup and can be pre-ordered for the equivalent of US$578.

Codrut Nistor, 21 May 2018 20:10

Twitter poll on the subject yielded expect results. (Source: Twitter)

HMD executive confirms global launch of the new Nokia X6

Chief Product Officer at HMD, Juho Sarvikas, has confirmed that the Nokia X6 will be launched for the global market soon. The device was released in China last week, and is likely to be sold as an Android One device when it makes its way outside the country—whenever that is.

Ricci Rox, 21 May 2018 15:07

The Redmi 5A in all its glory. (Source: GadgetMatch)

Xiaomi's Redmi 5A overcomes the Galaxy S9 devices to become the best-selling Android device in Q1

According to data by Counterpoint Research, Xiaomi's Redmi 5A clinched top spot as the best-selling Android device in the world. The device, by its lonesome self, accounts for 1.8% of all smartphones sold in the world in March. This dominance extends all through Q1.

Ricci Rox, 21 May 2018 14:38

LG rebrands the G6 as the G6 ThinQ but it's just a nominal change

LG is apparently now selling its older devices like the G6 and V30 with a ThinQ branding. Quite amusingly, the ThinQ-branded devices are exactly the same as they were at launch—there is nothing to differentiate them from the regular model.

Ricci Rox, 21 May 2018 14:21

Relay Starter Pack (Source: Relay by Republic)

Republic Wireless intros the Relay secure smartphone for kids

The Relay secure smartphone for kids by Republic Wireless is so secure that it does not feature a display. This accessory can be considered a basic phone with tracking capabilities for kids, as it features nationwide 4G LTE connectivity, as well as WiFi, Bluetooth, integrated GPS, NFC contact sharing, and even a smart assistant.

Codrut Nistor, 21 May 2018 13:14

Huawei Y5 Prime (2018) showing dual SIM plus MicroSD slot. (Source: Huawei)

Huawei Y5 Prime official specs and images now available, includes triple card slot for dual SIM and MicroSD

The Huawei Y5 Prime (2018) is now listed on Huawei’s website, indicating that it might not be long until it hits store shelves. The older Y5 (2017) released in June of last year, so this timing would match. With 2 GB RAM / 16 GB storage, this is undoubtedly a budget phone, but the inclusion of three card slots (2 SIM and 1 MicroSD) will be highly attractive in some markets.

Craig Ward, 20 May 2018 23:28

Model posing with an unseen smartphone. (Source: OnPhones)

Xiaomi allegedly caught gaming promotional material for the upcoming Redmi Y2

According to a report by OnPhones, Xiaomi may have been using fake camera samples for its Redmi Y2 promotional content. This wouldn't be the first an OEM does something of the sort.

Ricci Rox, 19 May 2018 16:12

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