Android

Carl Pei has now presented "the truth" about his new tech start-up Nothing today (March 23, 2022). It apparently involves the creation of an "open" ecosystem including hardware, software and services, built around its first-gen smartphone, the phone (1). Nevertheless, the OEM dropped no more than vague hints at its specs and design, with a little more on its new OS, during its first livestream of 2022.

Samsung has confirmed the prices of the Galaxy M23 5G and Galaxy M33 5G, two of its latest mid-range smartphones. The pair will be in available in the Eurozone in three colours, but only one memory configuration.

Xiaomi may have just released the Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12 Pro globally, but attention has turned to the prospect of the Xiaomi 12 Ultra. According to new rumours, the Xiaomi 12 Ultra may arrive later than expected and could mirror the MIX 4 in its availability.

A new report has now revealed Samsung and Apple's plans for their 2023-bound flagship phones, the Galaxy Z Fold5 and iPhone 15 Pro. Supposedly, Samsung is working on a new under-display camera technology that will appear on the Galaxy Z Fold5 before being used on the iPhone 15 Pro shortly after.

OnePlus is currently linked to the release of multiple new smartphones throughout 2022. Now, an increasingly reliable leaker purports to release a more specific timeline for the launch of each one, starting with the only confirmed model of the bunch and ending with its rumored upgrade later in the year.

Android's next major software upgrade is already linked to a portfolio of tweaks and changes, the vast majority seem to affect how it looks and acts thus far. However, Google has now announced that it aims to maximize UX devices that run the latest version of its OS, through new, potentially tighter controls on how apps use battery off-screen.

A few days after debuting the Redmi K50 series, it appears the range-topping model is selling like hotcakes, with Xiaomi confirming that it has sold well over US$150 million worth of the MediaTek Dimensity 9000-powered phones.

Samsung has been expanding its foldable smartphone offerings of late, but it is also working on designs with wrap-around displays. In a nod to the Mi Mix Alpha and Mate 30 Pro, Samsung has patented a futuristic smartphone with no volume buttons whose design also mimics the Galaxy S22 Ultra.

A new price expectation for the Google Pixel 6a could leave the upcoming device as a strong rival for the Samsung Galaxy A53 in the mid-range sector of the smartphone market. It seems the Pixel 6a could be priced at a similar level as its predecessor while sporting a “better processor” than the Galaxy A53.

Realme has finally debuted its latest smartphone, the Realme GT Neo 3, in China. The GT Neo 3 debuts with a MediaTek Dimensity 8100 beneath its hood and can be equipped with 150 W charging. Prices start at the equivalent of US$315.

Huawei remains the most prominent victim of the trade war between the US and China. The smartphone brand has downright plummeted. The P50 Pro comes to Europe and is still able to impress in many areas. But the sanctions are also very noticeable.

Specifications of the upcoming OnePlus Nord 3 have leaked indicating that it will be OnePlus's Dimensity 8100-powered phone that would take on the Realme GT Neo 3 in almost every aspect. The Nord 3 is also likely to sport a 120 Hz AMOLED display and 150 W fast charging along with a Sony 50 MP IMX766 triple-camera setup.

The GT Neo3 is the next phone from the brand Realme to be unveiled in China, and is most likely a mid-ranger - although it is being hyped like a flagship at the moment. The latest step in this process is a preview of a 50MP Sony rear camera that is generally found in higher-end smartphones, augmented with OIS in this new device.

Chuwi has started selling a new version of the HiPad Air, a 10.3-inch tablet that supports a detachable keyboard. The HiPad Air continues to cost less than US$200 too, and is orderable globally.

Vivo has hinted that it will launch a premium mobile device called the X Note at some point in 2022. This event might occur sooner rather than later, as the flagship has now reportedly leaked onto a Chinese retail site. It seems to reiterate a number of the phone's more interesting specs, its larger-than-average screen included. Despite its size, it might still be in line for some of the latest panel technology.

The POCO F4 has arrived on Geekbench sporting Android 12, a Snapdragon 870 SoC and 8 GB of RAM. The device has appeared on the benchmarking website following the launch of the Redmi K40S, on which the Redmi K50 will be based.

The Redmi K50 Pro may only be a few days old, but it is already possible to see what the smartphone looks like from the inside. Currently restricted to China, the Redmi K50 Pro is one of the first smartphones to launch with the Dimensity 9000, MediaTek's 4 nm SoC that goes toe-to-toe with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.

Many issues with Android Auto are related to bad or low-quality USB cables - according to Google, at least. To this end, the Mountain View giant is reportedly preparing a new feature for this service's app that acts to diagnose potential issues with these accessories in the car on its initialization.

Realme has now revealed the date on which the latest addition to its GT Neo series will be unveiled. The OEM has also now teased the third-gen smartphone as one of the emerging category of mobile devices with their own co-processors. It is now slated to have a standalone "graphics" chipset in addition to its new Dimensity 8100 silicon.

McLaren Racing has announced that Google will become one of its sponsors for its 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship campaign. The new partnership will see the Android logo slapped on the motorsport group's car, while its wheels will be adorned with the colors of the Chrome logo. Similar branding will be found on McLaren's Extreme E racing vehicle for this year.

A new leak has now provided a first look at the performance characteristics of next-gen flagship chipsets like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Exynos 2300, and the Dimensity 10000. Supposedly, ARM's upcoming Cortex-X3 super cores look to be even less efficient than the already inefficient Cortex-X2 cores on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Exynos 2200.

OnePlus has just updated a total of 4 flagship variants to OxygenOS 12 based on Android 12. They include the last T-version and the first R-version released by the OEM. The 8- and 9-series units upgrade to features such as an updated UI, an adjustable Dark Mode and their brand's Canvas AoD.

Motorola is preparing to release another mid-range Moto G smartphone, albeit one with a MediaTek Dimensity chipset. Based on leaked specifications, the device will have a 50 MP primary camera too, among other enticing features.

The Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4 are months away from launch but they will debut on the backs of two impressive devices. According to an analytics report, the Galaxy Z Flip3 and Galaxy Z Fold3 sold a combined 7.1 million units, or over 60% of global foldable shipments, in 2021.

Word on the grapevine has now provided some insight into Samsung's plans to release a MediaTek Dimensity 9000-powered smartphone this year. Supposedly, that phone could be the Galaxy S22 FE or a Galaxy A53 Pro.

Xiaomi may have just released the Xiaomi 12, Xiaomi 12X and Xiaomi 12 Pro, but there is already evidence suggesting it has another Xiaomi 12 series handset on the way. Reportedly, Xiaomi is preparing to launch a cheaper alternative to its existing Xiaomi 12 series trio.

In addition to the Xiaomi 12 and the Xiaomi 12 Pro the Chinese OEM also sells a more affordable entry-level model named Xiaomi 12X. It features the exact same design language as its more expensive siblings, and it performs strikingly similar as well. Mid-range competitors watch out, there's a new sheriff in town.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE launched with a US$699 price tag barely a month before the Galaxy S22 series debuted, making it something of a poor value proposition. Samsung is remedying that, though, by offering the phone with a US$100 discount.

Motorola is forging ahead with its current Android 12 upgrade program with the latest update going to the Moto G30. The device might be over a year old now, and yet is the latest G-series device to see such an OTA. It is being reported by users in one of the device's biggest markets right now.

The GT Neo3 is currently being touted as the first ever Realme phone to launch with its latest 150W charging tech. However, the OEM has also now suggested that there might be a second variant with a slower, yet still new to 2022, 80W standard instead. Then again, fans of speed may still be happy with the phone's also-hyped "Le Mans" colorway.

According to reports from Samsung's South Korean supply chain, the company remains committed to improving S Pen support on this year's Galaxy Z Fold. Reputedly, the Galaxy Z Fold4 will debut 'Super UTG', a stronger and more scratch-resistant ultra-thin glass than the ones included in the Galaxy Z Fold2 and Galaxy Z Fold3.

The next major upgrade to Android seems right on track with the release of its second developer-preview version (or DP2). It now provides a system pop-up for users to allow or prevent apps from sending notifications. Android 13 DP2 also seems to pertain to the OS' emerging tablet version, adding new and possibly welcome tweaks to its UI.

OnePlus has started a program whereby a small number of its Community website members can be the first to own and review its upcoming 2022 flagship smartphone, the 10 Pro. This device's stint in the "OnePlus Lab" may or may not hint at when its formal international product event will be held.

After sending out the MIUI 13 update to the Poco X3 Pro globally a few weeks ago, Xiaomi is now expanding the MIUI 13 rollout for the fan-favorite by gracing owners of the phone in Europe with a similar Android 12-based MIUI 13 update. The Mi 11 Ultra also receives new builds, both in Europe and globally.

Plenty of power, an up-to-date processor, and Ready For software - Motorola's flagship has quite a few things to offer. Find out in our extensive review why still had a gripe with its camera system.

Advertised as the world's first stock Android 12 rugged smartphone that also sports the loudest phone speaker available (up to 109 dB), the AGM H5 can be pre-ordered until the end of the month with a 15 percent discount (regular price is US$269 for the 4/64 GB variant), alongside free earbuds and charging dock. Shipments will start on April 18.

Samsung has revealed the Galaxy A73 5G, a smartphone that rounds out the Galaxy A series. Paired with a Snapdragon 778G, the Galaxy A73 5G features a 108 MP primary camera with OIS, a 5,000 mAh battery and a 120 Hz display. The Galaxy A73 5G will be available in three colours from next month but only in some markets.

Motorola promised a forthcoming special edition of its Moto Edge X30 flagship smartphone on its late-2021 launch in China. Today (March 17, 2022), this new version has arrived with an upgrade on its punch-hole selfie camera as expected. It adds a truly edge-to-edge screen to the X30's existing specs, its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC included - and for a potentially surprising price, too.

Honor may have just presented the Magic4 Ultimate, but the smartphone has found its way to the top of DxOMark's smartphone camera leaderboard. The Honor Magic4 Ultimate combines a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC with a ceramic body and a large 1/1.12-inch camera sensor, among other features.

The Redmi K50 Pro has arrived in China, where it starts at CNY 2,999 (~US$472). The new smartphone has a Dimensity 9000 SoC, a 1440p display and a 108 MP primary camera. A 5,000 mAh battery is also onboard, as is up to 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage.

Xiaomi has released the Redmi K40S, a re-branded Redmi K40 with OIS. The Redmi K40S has a Snapdragon 870 SoC and many of the same features included in the Redmi K50. The Redmi K40S starts at a much more affordable CNY 1,799 (~US$283) though and is also available with up 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage.

Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy A33 5G, an Exynos 1280-powered smartphone with a 90 Hz and 1080p display. Available for €369, the Galaxy A33 5G has a Super AMOLED panel, a 5,000 mAh battery and five cameras. Better still, the Galaxy A33 5G will receive just as long software support as the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Ultra.

The Galaxy A53 5G has arrived, and it has longer software support than some current flagship smartphones. Samsung has also equipped the handset with other impressive features, including a 120 Hz Super AMOLED display, a 5nm SoC and expandable storage. The Galaxy A53 5G starts for less than €450 too.

Xiaomi has showcased the Redmi K50 in China, the entry-level model in the Redmi K50 series. Launched alongside the Redmi K50 Pro, the Redmi K50 features a 120 Hz AMOLED display, a 48 MP camera with OIS and a Dimensity 8100 SoC. The Redmi K50 starts at CNY 2,399 (~US$378) with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage.

Benchmarks of the MediaTek Dimensity 8100's Mali G610-MC6 GPU have now surfaced, providing insight into how it performs in comparison to the Snapdragon 888 and Snapdragon 870.

LG has released Android 12 to the LG Velvet, the first of a few smartphones that the company will upgrade to Google's latest OS. Android 12 has landed on South Korean handsets first and could take a few months to reach other markets.