Meta has rolled out Custom Feeds globally on Threads.
It allows users to control the content they see on their feeds.
Users can create Custom Feeds by searching for topics and adding them to new or existing feeds.
Threads Custom Feeds feature is now available globally. (Photo by Dave Adamson on Unsplash)
We previously reported that Threads started testing Custom Feeds to give users more control over the content they get to see on their feed. Now we have learned that Meta has officially rolled out this feature worldwide.
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri confirmed in a post that the Custom Feeds option is now accessible to everyone globally.
Threads users after this update will be able to change their experience to focus on the topics they care about.
View on Threads
The feature works similarly to desktop columns based on search results but is optimised for mobile. To view your Custom Feeds, users need to simply pull down on the Threads homepage.
Some users on Threads shared screenshots of the new feature while Mosseri responded to the screenshot by saying “Cool”.
Threads User @matthewhessing shared the above screenshot of the Custom feed. (Screenshot credit – Matthew Hessing on Threads)
View on Threads
The process to create your Custom Feed is also simple. Just search for a topic in the app, tap the three-dot menu and choose to create a new feed based on the search or add the keyword to an existing feed
Mosseri also explained how users can use the new feature in a post.
With the latest update, Threads also makes it easier to filter search results. You can now choose to see results based on suggested posts, the most recent posts, or user profiles.
In another recent update, Meta has announced plans to introduce ads on the platform starting next year. The app has continued to grow since its launch and now boasts over 200 million monthly active users.
View on Threads
Users have to ensure their app is updated to the latest version to be able to see any new features. The Threads app is free to download from the App Store and works with iPhones running iOS 15.1 or later.
FAQs
Q1. What new feature has Meta rolled out globally on Threads?
Answer. Meta has rolled out the Custom Feeds feature globally on Threads, allowing users to control the content they see on their feed and focus on topics they care about.
Q2. How can users create Custom Feeds on Threads?
Answer. Users can create Custom Feeds by searching for topics in the app, tapping the three-dot menu, and choosing to create a new feed based on the search or adding the keyword to an existing feed.
Q3. What additional updates have been made to Threads?
Answer. Threads now allows easier filtering of search results and plans to introduce ads on the platform starting next year.
Instagram will soon allow users to reset their entire feed.
Users would be able to clear all recommendations and have a fresh start with Reels, Explore and Feeds.
Users can also review and unfollow accounts that no longer match their interests.
The feature is being tested with select users and will roll out globally later.
Instagram announced new reset features in a blog post. (Image credit – Instagram)
Instagramhas repeatedly acknowledged the various issues of the platform, especially teen safety and age-appropriate content concerns.
The Meta-owned photo-sharing app has also introduced multiple features to make sure teens have a safe and enjoyable experience on the platform.
To add to its list of features that allow users to curate an experience suited for themselves, Instagram has now announced a way for you to reset your timeline.
Instagram Head Adam Mosseri also explained the feature via a Reels video, saying, “This is a big thing to do. It’s gonna make your Instagram much less interesting at first because we’re going to treat you as we know nothing about you and your interests and it will take some time to learn those again.“
Reset Your Instagram
You will soon be able to reset your Instagram feed entirely. (Image credits – Instagram)
Metahas rolled out a new feature for Instagram that allows users to reset their content recommendations.
It gives a perfect opportunity for users to start afresh and reset different aspects of the app including Explore, Reels, and Feed.
This builds on existing tools that allow users to fine-tune their recommendations.
Going forward, if you’re looking for a fresh start, you can clear all your recommended content.
However, it is important to keep in mind that it might take some time for Instagram to personalise your recommendations again based on the new content and accounts you engage with.
While resetting their feeds, Instagram will have the option to review who they follow and unfollow based on interests. (Image credits – Instagram)
Meta has also added another handy option where users who reset their recommendations can review and unfollow accounts that no longer match their interests.
This gives you even more control over what shows up in your feed.
The feature is currently being tested with select users but will roll out globally soon. Although the reset feature primarily targets teen users at the moment, it will be available to everyone after testing concludes.
Instagram has also published a new explainer page within its Transparency Center which outlines how its recommendations work, and its built-in protections for teens.
Once rolled out, you can start shaping your Explore page by tapping the three dots on any post and marking it as “Interested.”
In an effort to ensure all have safe, positive and age-appropriate experiences on @Instagram, we’re testing a new way to reset content recommendations in Explore, Feed and Reels.https://t.co/9y8fwhf5od pic.twitter.com/qMvii0zYwU
— Meta Newsroom (@MetaNewsroom) November 19, 2024
Instagram also announced its partnership with Joanna and Clea from The Home Edit to guide parents and teens on how to organise their Instagram accounts.
Meta has further clarified that this update doesn’t remove existing features such as the ability to mark content as “Not Interested” or use the “Hidden Words” feature to filter out unwanted captions or phrases.
Moreover, Meta has also introduced a way to pick specific topics they want to see more of such as books, cooking, sports or travel.
This feature is currently specifically available for teens in the US, UK, Canada and Australia.
FAQs
Q1. What new reset feature is Instagram introducing?
Answer. Instagram is introducing a feature that allows users to reset their entire feed, clearing all recommended content and offering a fresh start.
Q2. What additional control will users have when resetting their feed?
Answer. Users can review and unfollow accounts that no longer match their interests, enhancing control over their feeds.
Q3. Who is the new Instagram reset feature mainly for?
Answer. The reset feature primarily targets teen users but will be available to everyone after testing concludes.
We have seen several reports on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25 series in the last few months.
Some reports have also suggested the series will have a “Slim” model apart from the regular three models.
There is enough curiosity around the Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim variant, which is rumoured to offer top-tier performance in a sleeker and more compact design.
Now, more recent leaks have almost revealed the complete camera setup of the upcoming smartphone.
An online tipster Sanju Choudhary @Saaaanjjjuuu on X (formerly Twitter) has recently shared details of all three sensors that we may get to see on Galaxy S25 Slim.
Samsung’s Upcoming S25 slim model expected camera details
May use the new ALoP tech due to slimness (Launch Q2 2025) pic.twitter.com/MFa72MBNs4
— Sanju Choudhary (@saaaanjjjuuu) November 19, 2024
Based on the recent leaks and all previous reports, here’s everything we now know about the Galaxy S25 Slim Camera.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim – Camera Specifications (Leaked)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim representative image shared on X. (Image credit – @saaaanjjjuuu on X)
The Galaxy S25 Slim is expected to feature a 200MP primary camera powered by Samsung’s upcoming Isocell HP5 sensor.
This new sensor measures 1/1.56″, smaller than the 1/1.3″ Isocell HP2 used in the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Its compact size is designed to reduce the camera bump and will contribute to the phone’s slimmer profile.
Apart from the main sensor, the Slim model is said to include two 1/2.76″ Isocell JN5 sensors for ultrawide and 3.5x telephoto functions.
The telephoto lens will be the main highlight offering a 50MP resolution compared to the 10MP telephoto on current models.
This higher resolution allows for sharper digital zoom similar to the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 50MP 5x telephoto lens or the Oppo Find X8 Pro’s 6x telephoto setup.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim to Feature Samsung’s ALoP Lens Technology
The Galaxy S25 Slim is also rumoured to debut Samsung’s new ALoP (Advanced Lens on Plastic) technology. This new technology will reduce the thickness of the camera assembly while maintaining high optical quality.
AI-powered enhancements are expected to improve zoomed shots, ensuring better clarity and detail, which helps in building on the advancements we have previously seen in the Galaxy S24 series.
In any case, the Galaxy S25 Slim is looking to be a significant upgrade over the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus with a 200MP main camera, a high-resolution telephoto lens and AI-backed improvements.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim – Release (expected)
As of now, the Galaxy S25 series is rumoured to launch in January 2025.
As for the Slim model, although we do not have any concrete updates, it is most likely to arrive later next year.
FAQs
Q1. What is the expected primary camera specification for the Galaxy S25 Slim?
Answer. The Galaxy S25 Slim is expected to feature a 200MP primary camera powered by Samsung’s Isocell HP5 sensor.
Q2. What new lens technology is the Galaxy S25 Slim rumoured to debut?
Answer. The Galaxy S25 Slim is rumoured to debut Samsung’s new ALoP (Advanced Lens on Plastic) technology.
Q3. What are the additional camera specifications for the Galaxy S25 Slim?
Answer. The Slim model is said to include two 1/2.76″ Isocell JN5 sensors for ultrawide and 3.5x telephoto functions.
Q4. What is the benefit of Samsung’s ALoP technology?
Answer. Samsung’s ALoP technology will reduce the thickness of the camera assembly while maintaining high optical quality.
Q5. When is the Galaxy S25 series expected to launch?
Answer. The Galaxy S25 series is rumoured to launch in January 2025 with the Slim model expected to arrive later in the year.
Apple has shared its list of the most popular podcasts of 2024.
The lists are curated into nine distinct Top 10 lists across various categories.
Highlighted Shows: ‘The Daily’ is named the Top Show of 2024, ‘The Tucker Carlson Show’ is the Top News Show and ‘Serial’ is the Top Series of the year.
The charts are available in the Browse tab of the Podcasts app.
Apple reveals the most popular podcasts of 2024. (Image credit – Apple)
Apple has just shared its list of the most popular podcasts of 2024. It curated nine distinct Top 10 lists showcasing various categories including new releases and those with the highest subscriber counts.
Revealed in a blog post titled “Apple shares the most popular podcasts of 2024”, the tech giant listed ‘The Daily’ as the Top Show of 2024. The Top News Show title was awarded to ‘The Tucker Carlson Show’ while ‘Serial’ was the Top Series of the year.
In its blog post explaining how the charts will be available in the Browse tab in the Podcasts app, Apple mentioned, “Today, Apple shared the most popular podcasts of 2024, with year-end charts localized for listeners in nearly 100 countries and regions. The 2024 charts are available in the Browse tab through the end of the year and include the top podcasts overall, the top new shows that debuted this year, the most followed shows, the most shared shows and episodes, and the top free and subscriber channels. Listeners in over 15 markets can also explore Shows We Love, a curated collection of standout narrative and episodic series that resonated this year.”
Here are the lists of top podcasts –
Apple Reveals Most Popular Podcasts of 2024
Top Shows
The Daily
Crime Junkie
The Joe Rogan Experience
Dateline NBC
SmartLess
Huberman Lab
This American Life
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Up First from NPR
Morbid
Top New Shows
The Tucker Carlson Show
Three
Mortal Sin
Drowning Creek
The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke
Blood is Thicker: The Hargan Family Killings
Noble
Murder in the Hollywood Hills
Hysterical
Who Killed JFK?
Top Series
Serial
Up and Vanished
Three
The Bakersfield Three
CounterClock
Something Was Wrong
Dr. Death
The Binge Cases
Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra
The Binge Crimes
Top Episodes
Crime Junkie: “SERIAL KILLER: The Alphabet Murders Part 1”
The Joe Rogan Experience: “#2219 – Donald Trump”
The Daily: “Harris Baits Trump: Inside Their Fiery Debate”
Dateline NBC: “Dangerous Secret”
The Bakersfield Three: “Episode 1: Fight Like a Mother”
SmartLess: “Vince Vaughn”
Three: “Skylar Is Missing | Chapter 1”
Serial: “Serial S04 – Ep. 1: Poor Baby Raul”
Mortal Sin: “1 – Ashes to Ashes”
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce: “Travis Wins on the Road, Jason Celebrates Shirtless and Full Divisional Round Recap | Ep 75”
Most Shared Shows
Huberman Lab
Scamanda
Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus
The Daily
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
The Bible Recap
The Mel Robbins Podcast
Sold a Story
Who Killed JFK?
Crime Junkie
Most Shared Episodes
The Tucker Carlson Show: “Calley & Casey Means: The Truth About Ozempic, the Pill, and How Big Pharma Keeps You Sick”
The Mel Robbins Podcast: “The #1 Menopause Doctor: How to Lose Belly Fat, Sleep Better, & Stop Suffering Now”
The only visible difference? Their colour options.
The Moto G05 is set to launch in orange, making it easy to tell the two apart. Apart from the colours, we could not find any reasonable difference between the two.
Let’s just hope the differences lie in their hardware.
According to a GSMArena report, both devices will feature a 50 MP main rear camera and will run on Android 15 right out of the box. These will be the first Motorola smartphones to arrive with Android 15.
Meanwhile, the Moto G15 is expected to have options for 4GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage. Meanwhile, the Moto G05 will offer 128GB of storage and 4GB of RAM.
It’s likely this configuration will carry over in the G05 lineup too considering the Moto G04 came with an 8GB variant.
For those of you who aren’t aware, the Moto G04 launched earlier this year and the Moto G14 arrived in August 2023.
And now with these seemingly official-looking renders surfacing online, we can assume there is a chance both Moto G05 and G15 will be made official in the next few weeks to come.
FAQs
Q1. What is the only visible difference between the Moto G05 and G15 design?
Answer. The only visible difference between the Moto G05 and G15 in the leaked images is their colour options.
Q2. What are the expected specifications for the Moto G15?
Answer. The Moto G15 is expected to have options for 4GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage.
Q3. When are the Moto G05 and G15 expected to be made official?
Answer. The Moto G05 and G15 are expected to be made official in the next few weeks.
OnePlus is rumoured to launch a small-screen Ace series smartphone in Q2 2025.
The Ace 5 series is expected to feature Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Snapdragon 8 Elite processors
The series is launching in China this December.
OnePlus has just unveiled its flagship smartphone OnePlus 13 in China and rumours around its 2025 launch calendar are already generating buzz online.
It appears the Chinese smartphone maker is currently working on a special model for the Ace 5 series.
Here’s a quick roundup of what we are learning from recent online speculations.
According to popular Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station, OnePlus is also working on a small-screen Ace series device that is most likely set for release in Q2 2025.
Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station posts on Weibo about the small-screen Ace smartphone.
We know that the current Ace 3 series includes three models, which include the OnePlus Ace 3 (launched in January), Ace 3V (March) and Ace 3 Pro (June).
The Ace 3V stands out with a smaller 6.74-inch display and a less powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset compared to the other smartphones in the series.
Nonetheless, the tipster hasn’t revealed the name of the upcoming small-screen model. Speculations suggest it could be branded as the OnePlus Ace 5V or potentially another addition to the Ace lineup.
It is important to note that certain reports have already revealed that the base model of the Ace 5 series is expected to debut globally as the OnePlus 13R.
The smartphone industry is currently buzzing with big brands exploring the small-screen phone segment.
We have Vivo recently stepping in to challenge Samsung and Xiaomi’s entry-level flagships.
Oppo is also rumoured to be developing a compact device under its Find X8 series.
Details about the small-screen OnePlus Ace smartphone including its screen size currently remain unclear.
However, there are some hints we can follow.
The Oppo Find X8 (left), Vivo X200 Pro Mini (Centre) and Xiaomi 15 (Right) come with larger panels. (Image credit – Gizmochina)
For example, the Vivo X200 Pro mini has a 6.31-inch display, while the Xiaomi 15 features a slightly larger 6.36-inch screen.
Both offer sharp 1.5K resolution displays with a pixel density of around 460 PPI, which could be a benchmark for OnePlus’ offering.
On the other hand, previous unofficial reports have revealed that the Ace 5 and Ace 5 Pro are to feature top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Snapdragon 8 Elite processors, respectively.
The Ace 5 Series is expected to hit the Chinese market this December.
FAQs
Q1. What is OnePlus rumoured to be working on for the Ace series in 2025?
Answer. OnePlus is rumoured to be working on a small-screen Ace series device potentially named the OnePlus Ace 5V, which is set for release in Q2 2025.
Q2. Which processors are expected to power the OnePlus Ace 5 and Ace 5 Pro?
Answer. The Ace 5 is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, while the Ace 5 Pro might come with the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.
Q3. When is the Ace 5 series expected to debut in the Chinese market?
Answer. The Ace 5 series is expected to hit the Chinese market in December
Samsung might launch a more affordable foldable phone the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE in 2025.
Samsung is reportedly working on the Galaxy S25 Slim expected to launch around April 2025.
Samsung is reportedly working on an affordable Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE for 2025. (Image credit – Samsung)
Samsung is expected to introduce the Galaxy Z Flip 7 next year as the successor to the Galaxy Z Flip 6, which was launched earlier in July this year. However, if you think that is the only flip phone Samsung is working on at the moment, you are thinking wrong.
Reiterating some previous rumours, supply chain analyst Ross Young have recently suggested that Samsung might not stop only with Galaxy Z Flip 7.
According to Young’s recent post on X (formerly Twitter), the Korean consumer electronics company could also launch a more affordable foldable model alongside the Flip 7.
This new device is rumoured to be called the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE and is most likely to serve as a budget-friendly alternative to Samsung’s flagship foldable lineup.
Those hoping for a Z Flip 7 FE should be excited. It looks like a Samsung FE clamshell is finally coming in 2025.
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) November 19, 2024
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE is expected to feature the same display as the Flip 7 but may come with lower-end cameras and a less powerful chipset to keep costs down.
Speculations suggest it might be powered by the Exynos 2400 SoC, which we have seen Samsung using in some Galaxy S24 models.
Or else, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 that powers the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 could also be the choice for the affordable flip next year.
Reports suggest Samsung’s strategy to maintain affordability will decide which other components will be used in the smartphone.
This is not the first update about any such affordable flip smartphone. During its Q3 2024 Earnings Call, the company stated it was exploring “ways to lower entry barriers so that more customers can actually experience foldable products.”
Gadgets360 suggests in one of its recent reports that the success of this new device will hinge on its pricing.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE might not be an exciting offer for users if the company only makes it $100-$200 cheaper than the regular Flip 7.
However, it could attract more buyers and give the foldable market a much-needed boost in sales if Samsung significantly reduces the price.
Apart from the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, Samsung is reportedly also working on two new smartphones to expand its lineup further. Rumours suggest a Galaxy S25 Slim is also on the way.
It is likely to join the Galaxy S25 series and is expected to launch sometime around April 2025.
While details about the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE are still under wraps, the possibility of an affordable foldable option could make 2025 an exciting year.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE?
Answer. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE is a rumoured affordable foldable model that Samsung might launch alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 7 in 2025, featuring the same display but with lower-end cameras and a less powerful chipset.
Q2. What is Samsung’s strategy for making foldable technology more accessible?
Answer. Samsung confirmed during its Q3 2024 Earnings Call that it is exploring ways to lower entry barriers so that more customers can experience foldable products.
Q3. What other smartphones is Samsung reportedly working on for 2025?
Answer. Besides the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, Samsung is reportedly working on the Galaxy S25 Slim, which is expected to join the Galaxy S25 series and launch around April 2025.
The Vivo X200 and X200 Pro smartphones have been launched globally.
Pre-orders are starting in Malaysia and the next region to join is Thailand.
Key Features: Both models feature 120Hz OLED displays, MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, and advanced camera setups.
The Vivo X200 Pro is priced at MYR 4,699 (approx $1,050/ INR 88,617) and the standard X200 at MYR 3,599 ($800 or INR 67,518).
Vivo X200 Series officially launched globally in an event on November 19. (Image credit – Vivo)
Vivo has officially launched its flagship X200 and X200 Pro smartphones globally with pre-booking starting in Malaysia.
This international debut of the series is followed after the smartphone series was first introduced in China last month.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new smartphones.
Vivo X200 Series – Key Features
Both Vivo X200 and X200 Pro feature a similar-looking circular camera module at the back with Vivo branding at the bottom. (Image credit – Vivo)
Both Vivo X200 and X200 Pro smartphones feature stunning 120Hz OLED displays with an impressive peak brightness of 4,500 nits.
The X200 comes with a 6.67-inch screen, while the Pro model offers a slightly larger 6.78-inch display and includes an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor for enhanced security.
Offering similar processing power, both models are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage for top-notch performance.
On the camera front, the X200 features a versatile triple-camera setup with three 50MP sensors, while the X200 Pro upgrades the telephoto lens to an impressive 200MP sensor delivering superior zoom capabilities.
Battery life is another strong point for these devices. The X200is equipped with a 5,800mAh battery, while the Pro version packs a larger 6,000mAh battery. Both models support 90W wired charging and the Pro adds 30W wireless charging for added convenience.
Vivo X200 Series – Pricing & Availability
Vivo X200 Pro Midnight Blue colour variant. (Image credit – Vivo)Vivo X200 Pro Titanium Gray colour variant. (Image credit – Vivo)
In Malaysia, the Vivo X200 Pro is available in Titanium Gray and Midnight Blue, priced at MYR 4,699 (approx $1,050/ INR 88,617).
Vivo X200 Midnight Blue colour variant. (Image credit – Vivo)Vivo X200 Aurora Green colour variant. (Image credit – Vivo)
The standard X200, offered in Midnight Blue and Aurora Green, is priced at MYR 3,599 ($800 or INR 67,518).
Both models come with a single configuration of 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.
Pre-orders are now open with shipments expected to begin after the pre-order period ends.
The next launch is anticipated in Thailand on November 28. Meanwhile, the release dates for other markets such as the EU, UK and India are unconfirmed as of now.
Q1. When were the Vivo X200 and X200 Pro smartphones launched globally?
Answer. Vivo has officially launched its flagship X200 and X200 Pro smartphones globally, with pre-booking starting in Malaysia.
Q2. What are the display features of the Vivo X200 and X200 Pro?
Answer. Both models feature stunning 120Hz OLED displays with an impressive peak brightness of 4,500 nits. The X200 comes with a 6.67-inch screen, while the Pro model offers a slightly larger 6.78-inch display.
Q3. What chipset powers the Vivo X200 and X200 Pro smartphones?
Answer. Both models are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset.
Q4. What are the camera specifications of the Vivo X200 and X200 Pro?
Answer. The X200 features a versatile triple-camera setup with three 50MP sensors, while the X200 Pro upgrades the telephoto lens to an impressive 200MP sensor.
Q5. What is the pricing for the Vivo X200 and X200 Pro in Malaysia?
Answer. In Malaysia, the Vivo X200 Pro is priced at MYR 4,699 ($1,050 or INR 88,617) and the standard X200 is priced at MYR 3,599 ($800 or INR 67,518).
The AeroActive Cooler X Pro has a subwoofer and adds two hardware shoulder buttons that work with AirTriggers.
Highlights
Asus ROG Phone 9 Series officially launched.
The series includes the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro.
Designed for gamers, both phones feature Snapdragon 8 Elite, up to 24GB RAM and a 5800 mAh battery.
Both models come with a 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED HDR display with a 165Hz refresh rate, a 50MP primary camera and a 32MP front camera.
Pre-orders are live with shipments starting in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China.
Pricing starts at $999.99 (approx INR 84,387) for the base model.
The ROG Phone 9 series including the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro officially launched. (Image credit – Asus)
Asus has officially launched the ROG Phone 9 series including the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro.
Specifically designed and built for gamers, the ROG Phone seriesis known for top-tier performance and innovative features. Both phones will compete with Nubia’s recently launched Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ smartphones.
Here’s a closer look at what these Asus gaming smartphones offer.
Asus ROG Phone 9 Series – Key Features and Specifications
Both models feature a 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED HDR LTPO display with a 165Hz refresh rate (185Hz in select games) delivering smooth visuals for intense gaming. The screens reach 2500 nits peak brightness, support 107% DCI-P3 colour gamut, and are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Both the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro displays come with 2500 nits peak brightness. (Image credit – Asus)
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, the phones boast a 45% boost in CPU performance and a 40% improvement in GPU capabilities over the previous generation.
Paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, they support configurations of up to 24GB RAM and 1TB storage achieving a record-breaking AnTuTu score of 3,121,39
Both the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro feature an advanced system for heat dissipation. (Image credit – Asus)
Cooling is enhanced with a 360° SoC Cooling System Gen 3, a 57% larger graphite sheet, and the redesigned AeroActive Cooler X Pro.
The AeroActive Cooler X Pro has a subwoofer and adds two hardware shoulder buttons that work with AirTriggers.
The cooler not only improves heat dissipation but also features a subwoofer for 2.1 stereo sound and hardware shoulder buttons for immersive gameplay.
As per Asus, “The newly designed AeroActive Cooler X elevates cooling accessories to the next level. Its fan blades have been increased in diameter by 12.5%, resulting in significantly greater airflow. In combination with the extended thermal material, this delivers up to 29%6 more effective cooling. This design keeps your device cool during intense gaming sessions.”
For sustained performance, the ROG Chill Case uses Composite Vapor Chamber (CVC) technology to reduce temperatures by up to 17°C, ensuring smooth performance during demanding gaming sessions.
Both the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro are designed and developed for gamers. (Image credit – Asus)
The ROG Phone 9 includes a 50MP Sony LYTIA 700 primary camera with 6-axis gimbal stabilisation, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro camera.
Both phones use a 50MP main based on the 1/1.56” Sony Lytia 700 sensor.
The Pro model replaces the macro lens with a 32MP 3x telephoto camera with OIS, offering better zoom quality.
Both models feature a 32MP front camera for selfies and video calls.
The phones also bring 65W hyper-charge tech for faster top-ups and 15W wireless charging.
The phones are equipped with a 5800mAh battery that supports 65W HyperCharge technology, 15W Qi wireless charging and compatibility with Quick Charge 5.0 and Power Delivery standards.
Asus ROG Phone 9 Series – Other Features
Asus promising two major OS updates and four years of security updates for both the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro. (Image credit – Asus)
The ROG Phone 9 series runs on Android 15 with ROG UI offering a tailored gaming experience and the latest Android features.
Asus promises two major OS updates and four years of security updates.
For connectivity, they include dual SIM support, 5G SA/NSA, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the 3.5mm headphone jack and dual stereo speakers, while the IP68 water and dust resistance ensures durability in various environments.
Asus claims a 45% improvement in CPU performance, a 40% faster GPU, and a 40% faster NPU.
A standout feature is the AniMe Vision display on the back, with 85 mini-LEDs on the base model and 648 mini-LEDs on the Pro version, offering customisable visuals perfect for gaming enthusiasts.
ROG Phone 9 Series – Pricing and Availability
The ROG Phone 9 Series price starts at $999.99 (approx INR 84,387). (Image credit – Asus)
Pre-orders for ROG Phone 9 Series are live now with shipments beginning tomorrow in countries such as Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.
As per the latest update, the smartphone series will enter Europe in December and the US launch is expected in January 2025.
Asus claims that the battery can last up to 4.5 hours of heavy gaming.
As of now, details for an India launch are not available.
For variants, both variants are available in stunning colours and different storage variants.
ROG Phone 9 variants –
Both models in the Asus ROG Phone 9 series are equipped with a 5,800mAh battery.
Q1. What are the key specifications of the Asus ROG Phone 9 series displays?
Answer. Both models feature a 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED HDR LTPO display with a 165Hz refresh rate (185Hz in select games), reaching 2500 nits peak brightness.
Q2. What is the processor and performance capability of the Asus ROG Phone 9 series?
Answer. The phones are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, offering a 45% boost in CPU performance and a 40% improvement in GPU capabilities over the previous generation.
Q3. What are the camera features of the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro?
Answer. The ROG Phone 9 includes a 50MP Sony LYTIA 700 primary camera, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro camera, while the Pro model replaces the macro lens with a 32MP 3x telephoto camera with OIS. Both models feature a 32MP front camera.
Q4. What battery and charging capabilities do the ROG Phone 9 series have?
Answer. The phones are equipped with a 5800mAh battery that supports 65W HyperCharge technology, and 15W Qi wireless charging, and are compatible with Quick Charge 5.0 and Power Delivery standards.
Q5. When and where will the Asus ROG Phone 9 series be available?
Answer. Pre-orders are live with shipments beginning tomorrow in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China. The series will enter Europe in December and is expected to launch in the US in January 2025.
ZTE has introduced its latest mid-range smartphone the ZTE Blade V70 on the company’s international website.
While the smartphone is listed on the website, the brand has not shared any updates on its pricing or region-wise availability.
In any case, here’s everything you need to know about this new mid-ranger.
ZTE Blade V70 – Key Features and Specs
The Blade V70 sports a 6.7-inch LCD display with a resolution of 720×1600 and a 120 Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals. Under the hood, it packs a 2 GHz octa-core CPU (chipset unspecified), 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, which can be expanded.
For security, the phone includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor embedded into the power button. Powering the smartphone is a 5,000mAh battery with 22.5W wired charging support.
ZTE Blade V70 camera features. (Image credit – ZTE)
The rear camera setup is led by a 108 MP main sensor with a 1/1.67″ size and an f/1.75 aperture, promising detailed shots.
On the front, there’s a 16 MP camera for selfies.
The Blade V70 runs ZTE’s MyOS 14 on top of Android 14. It also features “Live Island 2.0,” which looks like ZTE’s attempt to replicate Apple’s Dynamic Island.
It offers an innovative approach to notifications and interactions.
ZTE Blade V70 design features include the “Live Island 2.0.” (Image credit – ZTE)
The phone measures 8.2mm thin and comes in a matte finish with a sparkling sand texture. It is also believed to be anti-fingerprint and scratch-resistant.
The smartphone also offers a host of powerful AI features including Magic Eraser, Magic Editor, AI Face Stickers, Magic Unblur, Magic Lens, Portrait Light and More.
