Android

The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have started shipping to those who pre-ordered Google's latest flagships. There is a big day-one patch to install once you unbox your new smartphone though, and one that will take a minimum of 25 minutes to finish.

The brand Palm may have helped propel hand-held personal tech to where it is today; however, it has all but faded into obscurity now. However, it has just revealed that it might be mounting a fightback against this with the launch of its latest products, the Buds Pro. They offer ANC with "studio-grade" sound and can be pre-ordered from now.

Xiaomi has been hyping the Redmi Note 11 series on Weibo with teasers of 120 W charging, 108 MP cameras and more. A TENAA listing suggests that the Redmi Note 11 will not sport either of these features though, nor even a Dimensity 920 SoC.

The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 with Snapdragon 888 SoC has become the new Geekbench Android chart champion for both single-core and multi-core performance. The Surface Duo 2 pushed its way past the Asus ROG Phone 3 and Samsung Galaxy S21+ to top the tables. However, such performance power comes at quite a price.

A photographer has compared the new Sony Xperia PRO-I against the iPhone 13 Pro Max, Apple's premier iPhone for 2021. The video shows that Sony's latest flagship delivers significantly better image quality than the iPhone 13 Pro Max, albeit only if you switch to manual mode. Unfortunately for Sony, the iPhone is the better camera smartphone when using automatic mode.

A new leak has provided some information on the battery capacities of two devices Xiaomi has in the works. The source fails to specify what devices they refer to exactly, but claims they'll be launched under the Redmi brand, perhaps hinting at the upcoming Redmi K50 series.

The Google Pixel 6 range is about to start its rollout in select markets with the promise that Google has made its new Tensor chip to really shine in machine learning tasks. Unfortunately, we just pitted it against the Apple A15 Bionic in the new GeekBench ML test and it got obliterated.

After three already planned updates in 2022, millions of old Android smartphones will not be able to run the latest version of the popular Microsoft Teams app. While the download of the final version of the Microsoft Teams app for these Android devices will also be limited, some users could feel forced to upgrade their smartphone.

Nokia's new "Let's Plant Together" initiative involves a commitment to getting new trees planted for every X- and G-series smartphone sold. The HMD Global brand has announced the measure as a new augment to the sustainability of its smartphone business, which already involves long-term warranty and software support.

A Geekbench comparison between a Google Pixel 6 Pro and an Apple iPhone XS Max has been grabbing attention due to the apparent failure of the Tensor chip against the three-year-old Apple A12 Bionic. In fairer terms, the Pixel 6 Pro does fall behind the A13-powered iPhone 11’s average results but Google has focused on machine learning and AI more than raw performance.

The Honor 50 has landed in Europe and with Google Mobile Services onboard. The handset features a Snapdragon 778G SoC, up to 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage and has a 120 Hz OLED display. The smartphone includes a 108 MP camera too and starts at €529.

Sony has shared several night shots taken on an Xperia PRO-I, its latest flagship smartphone. It turns out that the device cannot use its 1.0-inch camera sensor to its full potential, though. Sadly, it can only output in 12 MP, rather than the 20 MP of which the sensor is capable.

Samsung has been observed to have posted pages for a device called the SM-G990B/DS, a model number previously linked to the Galaxy S21 FE, a phone thought to have faced the axe due to supply constraints. Therefore, it seems the latest Fan Edition flagship smartphone variant is now back as an upcoming product.

Some recent leaks concerning Xiaomi's Mi 11-series successors have hinted that the OEM might not change these smartphones much in terms of their curved displays, a potential source of consternation among tech fans who prefer other panel types instead. However, a prominent leaker now suggests the situation might be less pronounced compared to earlier indications.

HTC has introduced its latest product as a pair of noise-cancelling TWS earbuds. In fact, the Taiwanese stalwart insists these accessories have dual noise cancellation: that of the often sought-after active variety (or ANC), as well as the environmental (ENC) kind, thus ensuring "clear communication in any environment". They also offer "worry-free" IP5X splash-resistance and up to 24 hours of battery life.

It turns out that the Pixel 6 Pro shares even more with recent Samsung flagships than previously thought. While we already know that the device uses a Samsung ISOCELL GN1 sensor as its main camera, it also relies on the 48 MP telephoto camera from the Galaxy S20 Ultra.

A new leak suggests that Motorola could launch the Moto G200 under the Motorola Edge 30 moniker in China soon. The phone's key specs include a 144Hz screen, 8GB RAM, a Snapdragon 888 SoC and a 108MP primary camera sensor.

Ice Universe has revealed new details about the cameras expected to feature in the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Reportedly, Samsung will return to the ISOCELL HM3 and the ultra-wide-angle camera from the Galaxy S21 Ultra, along with new telephoto lenses. The Galaxy S22 Ultra will match its predecessor with 3x and 10x optical zoom cameras, though.

Xiaomi has confirmed that the Redmi Note 11 series will feature a 108 MP primary camera, seemingly the Samsung ISOCELL HM1. The company has shared the first AnTuTu v9 score with a Redmi Note 11 handset paired with a MediaTek Dimensity 920, too. Unfortunately, the mid-range SoC cannot keep pace with the Snapdragon 778G or Snapdragon 780G.

Following the massive leak of Sony’s incredible new Xperia Pro-1 smartphone less than 24 hours ago, the company has now officially unveiled the device. As we suspected, this is an incredibly powerful camera phone with some of the most impressive specs and capabilities yet seen on such a device.

Xiaomi has started issuing V12.0.2.0.RCXMIXM to the Redmi Note 8T, bringing Android 11 to the device globally. The update also contains MIUI 12 though, rather than MIUI 12.5 or MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition.

The Redmi Note 11 series and Redmi Watch 2 will arrive later this week, with both set for an October 28 reveal. Xiaomi has already confirmed that the Redmi Note 11 series will support up to 120 W wired charging though, last seen in the 11T and 11T Pro. A major retailer in China has leaked the Redmi Watch 2's budget price tag, too.

Sony has announced that its mid-range Xperia 10 III smartphone will be offered with the option of shipping with a charger or not. The new latter retail SKU will come with a price cut. It is only available in 1 market thus far, but may be a sign of things to come from this OEM.

Samsung is rumored to provide a successor to the Galaxy A52 5G in 2022. Now, a new leak suggests that it will reprise some of its forebear's better specs, and might launch at around the same time of year. It might, at least, break into new color options in 2022.

The Redmi Note 11 and Redmi Note 11 Pro have made their way to Geekbench, confirming several aspects about both smartphones. The pair will debut later this week alongside the Redmi Note 11 Pro Plus and will feature 120 W charging, high-refresh-rate displays and dual batteries, among other innovations.

Motorola had confirmed plans to release new smartwatches under its branding with a new partner, currently known as CE Brands. Now, this company has dropped this wearable's final product name, as well as several strong hints as to its design and about how much it might cost. It is now to be followed up by 2 more of its new series on its launch.

Several Galaxy S22 Ultra screen protectors have leaked, offering another look at the device's expected design. Ice Universe has revealed what charging times people should expect from Samsung's next premier smartphone too, which will support up to 45 W charging.

Sony’s Xperia Alpha smartphone camera heavyweight has been leaked in full ahead of its launch next week. The massive leak reveals everything about the design, its accessories and some ground-breaking new camera chops.

Xiaomi is geared to debut the Redmi Note 11 series in China on October 28. The company has now released a series of teasers confirming important bits about the phones, with most of those features likely to satisfy expectant fans.

A troll tweet made by Samsung Mobile US back in September has returned to haunt the company following the recent leak of Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra tablet renders. The Korean OEM was taking a dig at the design of the iPhone 13 series and especially the ever-present notch. However, it appears Samsung is planning on notching the upcoming Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra.

A new tip purports to offer more insight into what might prove a successor to a premium Xiaomi smartphone. It focuses on the new "12 Pro's" display, which will apparently split fans down the middle with the return of a certain display type often seen in high-end mobile devices. The render also hints that the Pro will not get much of a selfie-camera upgrade.

OPPO has claimed some new intellectual property that might dictate how smartphones such as those of the allegedly upcoming Reno 7 series might look. Accordingly, these devices might have 3 to 4 rear cameras with curving sides and displays with off-center punch-hole selfie cameras. Devices based on this updated design might be unveiled as early as November 2021.

The Google Pixel 6 was put through Geekbench a few days ago and performed decently. The phone has now made the trip over to 3DMark in an attempt to gauge its GPU's prowess. The result? Supremacy over current flagship chipsets. Tensor's Mali-G78 MP20 GPU hits hard, it appears.

TCL has launched the TAB Pro 5G slate to the North American market. It has a 10-inch display and an affordable-grade Qualcomm processor for its up-to-date connectivity. This will be accessed through Verizon's network, as the tablet will be sold through this carrier only on its release.

Walmart now has new listings for Amazfit smartwatches; however, they are not for the latest GTR/GTS 3 series, but for the popular health and fitness tech brand's latest "performance" wearables, the Bip U Pro included. They start at US$40 through the physical and online retailer from now.

Precise renders of the Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8 Ultra have leaked, courtesy of OnLeaks. While Samsung will release the pair under the same series, they will look very different from each other, for better or worse.

Google has confirmed that its five years of software support for the Pixel 6 series does not cover all software for the devices. Unfortunately, Google can only guarantee five years of security patch updates, with three major OS updates coming the way of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro too.

Honor has announced that it will release 2 new phones as a Chinese Singles' Day special, although they will launch on October 28 rather than November 11, 2021. The OEM skirts around the actual names of the new phones, although some leaks assert that they are the X30 Max and X30i. Both devices have very well-worn designs, although their internals might be up to date, at least.

A reliable Weibo leaker now claims that OPPO will hold a "blockbuster" launch event before the end of 2021, and that its inaugural foldable smartphone is likely to be the star of this show. The device is painted as a bona fide rival for flagships such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 or Huawei Mate X2 based on its rumored specs.

The OEM Asus has outlined its timeline for the roll-out of its version of Android 12, and which devices are counted into this schedule. It contains some good news for owners of newer flagship devices from this company, if less so for those with older ROG Phone- or ZenFone-series smartphones.

Vivo has made the latest member of its more affordable Y series of smartphones official. The Y71t has an FHD+ 6.44-inch AMOLED display and a Dimensity 810 SoC. However, it seems the next device to launch from this OEM with the same display size might be much higher-end, although the two might have the same battery capacity.

Xiaomi has now released some important details of its upcoming smartwatch, the Redmi Watch 2, in teasers ahead of launch. The smartwatch will feature an AMOLED display with thinner bezels, as well as a "built-in massive dial".

Samsung Pay is the third most popular contactless digital payments system in use in Russia today. The South Korean giant's resultant market dominance is now under threat, however, as a Swiss company now asserts a relevant patent it owns is being infringed upon so that consumers can use it in the country. It is seeking a sales blockade that would mean Samsung would have to take a sizeable number of its handsets off Russian shelves soon.

Xiaomi has issued MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition to the Redmi 9 and Redmi Note 9 for global Mi Pilot testers. Both updates also contain the October 2021 Android security patch, with V12.5.2.0.RJOMIXM for the Redmi Note 9 bringing over two-dozen bug fixes and optimisations, too.

Xiaomi has begun rolling out its latest OS to the Mi 10T Lite on MIUI's global channel. MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition arrives as V12.5.3.0.RJSMIXM and should reach all handsets within the next week or so.

Post-launch Geekbench listings for the Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro have started appearing with the smartphones utilizing their Tensor SoCs to achieve decent if not remarkable scores. The results for the Tensor chip position the Pixel 6 phones as the proper successors to the Pixel 4 devices, with the Pixel 5 being lumbered with a mid-range SoC.

Xiaomi has confirmed yet more information about the Redmi Note 11, Redmi Note 11 Pro and Redmi Note 11 Pro+. Also, a leaker has revealed nearly all specifications for the three devices, including their possible prices.

Recently, render images have purported to reveal the possible design of the Xiaomi 12, based on a design patent filed by Xiaomi last year. A product manager at Redmi now has dismissed the design out of hand, though. Unusually, the Redmi representative went as far as remarking that the design is 'unbearably ugly'.