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Samsung Galaxy Note 20 gets One UI 3.0 beta update in the US alongside the Note 20 Ultra

One UI 3.0 beta update for the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra rolling out in the US

In addition to the Sprint and T-Mobile customers that receive the One UI 3.0 beta update on the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra — alongside those who use the unlocked versions of these handsets — in the US. The good news is that ...
Codrut Nistor, Tue, 27 Oct 2020 10:19:00 +0100
Xiaomi Redmi K30 Ultra smartphone review

85% Xiaomi Redmi K30 Ultra smartphone review - 120 Hz AMOLED at a bargain price

Mid-range benchmark. The Redmi K30 Ultra combines a 120 Hz OLED panel with a very powerful MediaTek Dimensity 1000+. This is accompanied by Wi-Fi 6, a pop-up camera, and stereo speakers for a street price starting at approximately 330 Euros (~$391). You can find out whether the Xiaomi phone has a catch in our review of the K30 Ultra.
MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ | ARM Mali-G77 MP9 | 6.67" | 213 g
Marcus Herbrich, Sun, 25 Oct 2020 19:55:00 +0100
The Watch GT 2 Porsche Design. (Source: YouTube)

Huawei's latest accessories include a Watch GT 2 Porsche Design

Huawei's freshly-launched Mate 40 series has, as predicted through leaks, an extra-premium Porsche Design variant. It is accompanied by a similarly customized new smartwatch. This titanium-cased version of the Watch GT 2 has a new...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Thu, 22 Oct 2020 22:44:00 +0200
Xiaomi's latest folding patent. (Source: CNIPA via LetsGoDigital)

Xiaomi patents a Samsung Galaxy Fold clone

Xiaomi has just been granted a patent for a tablet-like device that folds down the middle to form a much thinner phone-like form with an additional display on its front. In other words, it looks and seems to function much like Sam...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Tue, 20 Oct 2020 17:51:00 +0200
Can BOE make its own UTG? (Source: BOE)

BOE may be planning to make its own glass for foldables in the future

BOE is the largest supplier of display panels (AMOLED included) in China. A new report indicates that it now intends to compete even further with the likes of Samsung by making its own ultra-thin glass (UTG) as well. This material...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Mon, 19 Oct 2020 17:18:00 +0200
Review Motorola Moto G9 Plus Smartphone

80% Review of the Motorola Moto G9 Plus Smartphone - battery giant with brightness problems

Help at the push of a button. Motorola is launching the Moto G9 Plus, a new mid-range smartphone with a large 5,000 mAh battery and a dedicated Google Assistant button. The 6.8-inch Max Vision display of the affordable Moto phone reveals not only advantages in our review though - especially in terms of brightness.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G | Qualcomm Adreno 618 | 6.81" | 223 g
Marcus Herbrich, Sun, 18 Oct 2020 22:23:00 +0200
The alleged Mate 40 RS rear panel. (Source: Twitter)

The Huawei Mate 40 RS Porsche Design version's alleged looks and price surface in a new leak

A new tip from a well-known leaker may confirm that Huawei will launch a Porsche Design version of the Mate 40 during its upcoming October 2020 online event. This "RS" edition is also now slated to rock the new rear-camera hump al...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Sun, 18 Oct 2020 19:42:00 +0200
Infinix debuts the Note 8. (Source: Infinix)

Infinix launches the Note 8 and 8i: budget phablets with the Helio G80 processor

Infinix has thrown its hat in the 2020 low- to mid-tier ring with its new Note 8 series. It offers big screens and quad rear cameras. Both the 8 and 8i also have large 5200mAh batteries. Can they really compete with other MediaTek...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Sun, 18 Oct 2020 19:00:00 +0200
Is this the Huawei Mate 40 Pro? (Source: WinFuture)

The Huawei Mate 40 Pro's latest leak purports to spill its looks and specs in detail

Huawei will launch its premium Mate 40 phablet series laters in October 2020. A new leak asserts that its Pro variant will be much like its predecessor in looks. The device is now also slated to get triple rear cameras, the main s...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Sun, 18 Oct 2020 00:01:00 +0200
Omnivision launches the OV64A. (Source: Omnivision)

Omnivision launches a world-first 1.0 micron 64MP sensor for smartphones

Omnivision has announced its new high-end mobile camera sensor, the OV64A. It is 64MP, which is nothing new to this manufacturer; however, this one has pixels of a ground-breaking 1.0 micron in size. This may enhance its sensitivi...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Thu, 15 Oct 2020 23:33:00 +0200
Best Outdoor/Rugged Smartphones

Best Outdoor/Rugged Smartphones

October 2020 update. Current smartphones are not just getting bigger and faster, they are also getting more and more fragile with each generation. Besides the display, the case is often made of glass as well and therefore subject to shattering when dropped. However, special-made and certified rugged smartphones are made to withstand massive abuse even without any protective shells. Here are the best outdoor smartphones reviewed by us.
Florian Schmitt, Wed, 14 Oct 2020 22:10:00 +0200
That camera hump: $250 less right now. (Source: Samsung)

Amazon.com offers up to 25% off the Samsung Galaxy S20 or Note 20 phones

Amazon's Prime Day is now in full swing in multiple regions, the US included. Here, the retail giant has good deals on the latest Samsung flagship smartphones, so long as the buyer wants a factory-unlocked version. They include up...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Tue, 13 Oct 2020 20:53:00 +0200
The new Mate 40 series teaser. (Source: Twitter)

Huawei announces a launch date for the Mate 40 series

Earlier, Huawei confirmed that the Mate 40 flagship series was on the way, but neglected to say when exactly. Now, its official Twitter channel has revealed that this will indeed occur on October 22, 2020. The company is already m...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Mon, 12 Oct 2020 17:27:00 +0200
The Galaxy Z Fold2 after JRE was through with it. (Source: YouTube)

A new Galaxy Z Fold2 teardown puts the existence of its protective ultra-thin glass beyond a doubt

Samsung is touting its new Galaxy Z Fold2 as an especially durable flexible-display device thanks to its updated hinge design and the ultra-thin glass (or UTG) that covers its main 7.6-inch screen. The YouTube channel JerryRigEver...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Tue, 06 Oct 2020 17:04:00 +0200
Most consumers still value convenience over price when upgrading a smartphone. (Source: Counterpoint Research)

Most consumers from Germany or Spain surveyed prefer to buy phones online now, whereas those from the UK do not

A new report from Counterpoint Research on smartphone-buying trends in Europe has concluded that the majority of poll respondents from Spain or Germany would prefer to buy their next mobile device online. By contrast, only 10% of ...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Sat, 03 Oct 2020 16:25:00 +0200
Samsung will reportedly let consumers use a S Pen with the Galaxy S21 (image via Samung)

The Galaxy S21 series will support S Pen inputs as Samsung plans on merging its Galaxy S and Galaxy Note series of smartphones by 2022

A South Korean news outlet says that Samsung will reportedly make the Galaxy S21 series compatible with an S Pen. The report suggests that an S Pen-ready Galaxy S phone will help Galaxy Note users transition to Samsung's mainstrea...
Anil Satyanarayana, Sat, 03 Oct 2020 09:59:00 +0200
JerryRigEverything tests the Z Fold2. (Source: YouTube)

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 goes through JerryRigEverything's testing, fares perhaps better than you might think

The popular electronics destruction-testing YouTube channel JerryRigEverything has gotten Samsung's latest flagship foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold2, in for a durability test. The resulting video might prove that the OEM has improved ...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Sat, 03 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0200
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Review - Not always better than the Note10

88% Samsung Galaxy Note20 Review - Not always better than the Note10

Dimmed. The Samsung Galaxy Note20 is more than $300 less than the Ultra model. Looking at the specs sheet we can spot a few cut corners, but it is not immediately clear whether or not the more expensive Note20 is really worth its premium or, more importantly, whether the Note20 worth switching to from the Note10.
Samsung Exynos 990 | ARM Mali-G77 MP11 | 6.7" | 192 g
Daniel Schmidt, Fri, 02 Oct 2020 23:47:00 +0200
A Mate X2 render. (Source: TechConfigurations)

The Wi-Fi Alliance certifies a new device that may be the Huawei Mate X2

The Huawei Mate X series consists of outward-folding premium smartphones. It is rumored to get a new addition in 2020 that may come with a re-done design. A device newly submitted to the Wi-Fi Alliance by the OEM is thought to be ...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Wed, 30 Sep 2020 19:48:00 +0200
Notebookcheck's Top 10 Smartphones

Notebookcheck's Top 10 Smartphones

September 2020 Update. Here you will find the latest smartphones reviewed by Notebookcheck. Our Top 10 list is regularly updated, maintained and commented on by our editors. This page is intended to help our readers decide which product to purchase.
Daniel Schmidt, Mon, 28 Sep 2020 21:55:00 +0200
Notebookcheck's Top 10 Phablets

Notebookcheck's Top 10 Phablets (>90cm²)

September 2020 Update. Here is a list of the best XL-sized smartphones - with screen surface areas above 90 cm² - we have reviewed in the last few months. Our list of top models is regularly updated, maintained and commented on and should assist in purchase decisions.
Daniel Schmidt, Mon, 28 Sep 2020 21:44:00 +0200
Top 10 Camera Smartphones

Notebookcheck's Top 10 Camera Smartphones

September 2020 Update. Smile please! Here you will find the best smartphones for digital photography including a big picture comparison. Our list of the best camera smartphones is regularly updated, maintained, and commented on and should assist in purchasing decisions.
Daniel Schmidt, Mon, 28 Sep 2020 21:39:00 +0200
A Galaxy W20 poster. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung may launch the Galaxy W21 premium foldable in China soon

The Galaxy W20 is a variation of Samsung's Galaxy Fold released as a Chinese-market exclusive with 5G. Now, it seems it is getting a successor in the coming months. The OEM has certified a new device with a model number likely to ...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Mon, 28 Sep 2020 20:50:00 +0200
Top 10 Smartphones under 300 Euros

Notebookcheck's Top 10 Smartphones under 300 Euros

September 2020 update. Here you will find the best smartphones under 300 USD/Euros reviewed by Notebookcheck over the last few months. Our list of top models is regularly updated, maintained and commented on and should assist in purchasing decisions.
Daniel Schmidt, Wed, 23 Sep 2020 23:00:00 +0200
Top 10 Smartphones under 500 Euros

Notebookcheck's Top 10 Smartphones under 500 Euros

September 2020 update. Upper class. Up until a few years ago, high-end smartphones were usually in the price range of between 500 and 600 USD/Euros, but this segment is now occupied by upper class models and older high-end smartphones. The latter might not be new anymore, but are still good alternatives.
Daniel Schmidt, Wed, 23 Sep 2020 22:52:00 +0200
Huawei's "Plus-cam" phone. (Source: LetsGoDigital)

Huawei patents a D-pad-shaped rear camera in a new phone design

Huawei has patented a design for a smartphone that seems to have an under-display selfie camera. However, its other side has an interesting feature: quad sensors in a plus-sign-shaped module. Furthermore, one of the lenses is squa...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Wed, 23 Sep 2020 15:57:00 +0200
The "Watch GT 2 Porsche Design" on camera. (Source: GizmoChina)

Rumor | The Huawei Watch GT 2 has an upcoming Porsche Design variant

A YouTube channel has allegedly posted a video of a heretofore-unreleased Huawei wearable called the Watch GT 2 Porsche Design. It seems much like the rest of its possible series, albeit with a new bezel and boot animation. This m...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Tue, 22 Sep 2020 16:22:00 +0200
Microsoft Surface Duo stylus torn apart (Source: JerryRigEverything on YouTube)

Durability test video: The Microsoft Surface Duo is unexpectedly resilient

Although repairing the dual-display Microsoft Surface Duo can easily turn into a nightmare and it is not an easy task even for experienced people, the good news is that this piece of hardware is quite unlikely to break. According ...
Codrut Nistor, Mon, 21 Sep 2020 10:06:00 +0200
The Huawei Mate 40, according to some recent leaks. (Source: OnLeaks/PriceBaba)

The Huawei Mate 40 Pro collects certifications on its way to launch

The Thai regulator NBTC has approved an upcoming Huawei device called the NOH-NX9, revealing that it is in fact the Mate 40 Pro in the process. This model number has also popped up on the EEC and Bluetooth Special Interest Group (...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Sat, 19 Sep 2020 20:24:00 +0200
The Galaxy Z Fold2 post-teardown. (Source: YouTube)

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2's iFixit teardown shows it has improved on reparability in its category, if not by much

iFixit has posted its dissembly video for Samsung's latest flagship foldable device. The Galaxy Z Fold2 fared better than other phones with hinges that have featured recently on the same YouTube channel. On the other hand, it coul...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Sat, 19 Sep 2020 18:52:00 +0200
The VAVA 12-in-1 docking station. (Source: Notebookcheck)

VAVA USB type C 12-in-1 Docking Station hands-on review

VAVA is a new RAVPOWER brand for this OEM's home- and work-related accessories. They include a range of docks or hubs for USB type C-only laptops. This 12-in-1 variant offers up to 8 different types of I/O or utility to devices such as MacBooks. Can it deliver on these claims when connected to a high-powered gaming ultrabook?
Deirdre O'Donnell, Fri, 11 Sep 2020 14:40:00 +0200
The Microsoft Surface Duo is now available. Image via Microsoft.

Microsoft's Surface Duo dual-screen Android phone now available starting at US$1399, early reviews unimpressed

The Surface Duo is now available. Microsoft's dual-screen Android phone has been hotly anticipated, but early reviews suggest the device needs a bit more time to bake; while the design is good, the software is buggy. The phone sta...
Sam Medley, Thu, 10 Sep 2020 21:05:00 +0200
The most popular premium phones in India over 2Q2020. (Source: Counterpoint Research)

OnePlus makes it to the top of the Indian premium smartphone market again

Counterpoint Research has published its latest report on the premium (~US$400 or more) sector of India's smartphone market. It declined by 32% in the second quarter of 2020 (2Q2020) - although this drop was less severe than that o...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Sun, 06 Sep 2020 18:51:00 +0200
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra review - Smartphone with powerful features and S Pen included

89% Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra review - Smartphone with powerful features and S Pen included

Let there be light! The Note20 Ultra raises the bar, especially with the display, but it also repeats old mistakes found in the Galaxy S20 Ultra. With a larger battery, a new design, an improved camera, and the S Pen, the most powerful Note model wants to win buyers' hearts over. Our review reveals whether there are any obstacles to this.
Samsung Exynos 990 | ARM Mali-G77 MP11 | 6.9" | 208 g
Daniel Schmidt, Sun, 06 Sep 2020 05:11:00 +0200
Is this the end of Kirin? Maybe. (Source: Huawei)

Huawei's 5nm Kirin launch is delayed as it seeks to get all its orders out of TSMC before an important deadline

Huawei's mobile platforms have been notable by their absence from IFA 2020. It transpires that the OEM has decided to delay the launch of its Kirin 1000 platform (which is to be the first of its series to be based on a 5 nanometer...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Sun, 06 Sep 2020 00:06:00 +0200
TCL's NXTPAPER is touted as a revolution in paper-style panels. (Source: TCL)

IFA 2020 | TCL launches NXTPAPER, a new rival to e-ink rated for improved color, contrast and eye-safety

TCL has unveiled its latest form of display technology as part of its IFA Special Edition 2020 presentation. NXTPAPER is an alternative to e-ink that, as its maker claims, "repurposes natural light" to prevent eye-strain while sti...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Fri, 04 Sep 2020 18:11:00 +0200
The Galaxy Z Fold2 is live. (Source: YouTube)

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G crosses the US$2000 mark with ease in Europe

Today (September 1, 2020), Samsung has launched the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G for a number of markets worldwide, Germany included. This means we finally get to find out how the premium device is priced in various different regions. The ne...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Tue, 01 Sep 2020 16:00:00 +0200
The Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact: Powerful, small, affordable, and the last of its kind (source: NotebookCheck)

We demand more small phones!

Whatever happened to phones that fit in your pocket? The dearth of compact mobile devices has many enthusiasts dismayed, making sacrifices in terms of features, platforms, and hardware. Some of us even continue reaching years into the past for smartphones we can operate with one hand.
Column by Christopher Thomas, Tue, 01 Sep 2020 03:12:00 +0200
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 was praised for its big battery and sturdy build. (Image source: Samsung)

Samsung Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S9, and Galaxy S9+ likely to get trimmed-down version of One UI 2.5 soon

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S9, and Galaxy S9+ smartphones are likely to receive a cut-down version of the One UI 2.5 Android skin when it becomes available, due to hardware constraints. Samsung has been praised for offering...
Daniel R Deakin, Sun, 30 Aug 2020 22:59:00 +0200
Notebookcheck's Top 10 Tablets under 250 Euros

Notebookcheck's Top 10 Tablets under 250 Euros

Q3/2020 update Here you will find the best tablets under 250 USD/Euros reviewed by Notebookcheck. Our list of top models is regularly updated, maintained and commented on and should assist in purchasing decisions.
Daniel Schmidt, Fri, 28 Aug 2020 18:41:00 +0200
The UGREEN USB C 9-in-1 hub. (Source: Notebookcheck)

UGREEN USB C 9-in-1 Multiport Docking Station hands-on review

To own an ultrabook is to own a PC that can go more places and do more things these days; however, it also entails the risk of losing more ports into the bargain. UGREEN offers hub-type products that seek to reinstate them through the medium of one USB type C port. Can this variant restore up to six different types of I/O to the light and portable notebook category?
Deirdre O'Donnell, Thu, 27 Aug 2020 18:05:00 +0200
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is a huge device but weighs around 20 grams less than the S20 Ultra.

Hands-on: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (Exynos)

Samsung's Galaxy Note 20 series has been on the market for about a week now and we have gotten our hands on the flagship Note 20 Ultra model. It is fitted with the "optimized" Exynos 990, which came as a shock when first learned that the Note 20 Ultra model in the US, China and Korea would be fitted with the considerably more powerful Snapdragon 865+. Read on for thoughts on the subject.
Sanjiv Sathiah, Wed, 26 Aug 2020 09:26:00 +0200
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra comes with an SD865+ for the US market. (Image source: Samsung)

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S7, and Galaxy Tab S7+ owners have started reporting the presence of the dreaded green tint display issue

Owners of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (Snapdragon variant), Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, and Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ have been taking to online forums to report the well-known green tint display issues that many flagship devices hav...
Daniel R Deakin, Tue, 25 Aug 2020 23:56:00 +0200
The Galaxy Z Flip 5G might get a cheaper sibling soon. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung's next foldable device might be more affordable than its forebears

Foldables are the latest and most expensive forms of trendy mobile devices in existence. The blog SamMobile claims to have heard of a new, "budget" iteration of this tech from Samsung. It may have relatively low internal storage o...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Fri, 21 Aug 2020 00:37:00 +0200
A new "Mate 40 Pro camera" photo. (Source: Weibo)

A new leak may confirm Huawei will keep on circling the square with the Mate 40 series' rear cameras

Recent renders have indicated that Huawei intends to stick with a round housing for the rear cameras in its upcoming additions to the Mate series of high-end phablets. A newer leak appears to corroborate this detail. It shows that...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Wed, 19 Aug 2020 17:49:00 +0200
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra in Mystic Bronze has been particularly popular. (Image source: Samsung)

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 pre-order numbers down on Galaxy Note 10 figures but still reach 1.17 million at the halfway point thanks to the Mystic Bronze Ultra

A report out of South Korea has stated that over 1.17 million devices from the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series have now been pre-ordered, with a few days of the pre-order period still remaining. Although the Mystic Bronze Galaxy Not...
Daniel R Deakin, Sat, 15 Aug 2020 23:29:00 +0200
A "Mate 40 screen protector". (Source: Weibo)

Huawei is rumored to stick with curved displays for the Mate 40 series

The Huawei Mate 30 Pro is a premium phablet that came with the often-polarizing detail of a waterfall display, or a screen with a pronounced curve to both sides. Now, a blogger claims this spec will live on in the device's success...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Fri, 31 Jul 2020 23:22:00 +0200
The Note 20 Ultra may look like this. (Source: WinFuture)

Samsung is likely to sell Galaxy Note 20 Ultras with the Snapdragon 865+ in its own home market: new leak

Two devices with model numbers known to pertain to the upcoming flagship Galaxy Note 20 Ultra have appeared on the Geekbench 5 website. One of them has the suffix N, which suggests it is destined for the South Korean market. Oddly...
Deirdre O'Donnell, Fri, 31 Jul 2020 22:44:00 +0200
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 leaked render (Source: @UniverseIce)

New information about the camera features of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 surfaces online

According to unconfirmed third-party reports, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 20 — scheduled to be unveiled on August 5 — will get solid improvements in the camera department. Their list includes the ability to choose which micro...
Codrut Nistor, Mon, 20 Jul 2020 09:54:00 +0200
The effects of a BadPower attack on a vulnerable device (Source: Tencent Security Xuanwu Lab)

BadPower can melt or set your phone on fire

Chinese security researchers discovered that the firmware of fast chargers can be corrupted to deliver higher charging parameters, thus damaging the devices connected to them. A charger affected by a BadPower attack can melt or ev...
Codrut Nistor, Mon, 20 Jul 2020 09:04:00 +0200

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Redaktion, 2013-05- 8 (Update: 2013-09-27)