Apple’s new Vision Pro with M5 chip is now assembled in Vietnam, signalling a key move to diversify its supply chain beyond China.
While the headset is labelled “Product of Vietnam,” accessories like the Dual Knit Band are still made in China.
Apple is gradually shifting production to countries like India, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Caption – New Apple Vision Pro. (Image credit – Apple)
Apple’s latest Vision Pro headset with the new M5 chip and a Dual Knit Band will officially hit stores this week. However, the updated model brings a major change related to Apple’s broader strategy to spread its supply chain across multiple regions, reducing its heavy reliance on Chinese production. Here’s the latest update on Apple’s manufacturing strategy.
Apple’s Manufacturing Strategy
According to a report by Bloomberg, while the first-generation Apple Vision Pro was assembled in China, the new M5-powered model will be manufactured in Vietnam. Yes, the box label of the device now reads “Product of Vietnam”, signalling a key milestone in Apple’s ongoing effort to diversify its production network away from China.
Caption – Apple Vision Pro processors. (Image credit – Apple)
However, Bloomberg also noted that the Dual Knit Band, which is sold separately, continues to be produced in China.
The report reads, “While packaging for full Vision Pro units shows a “Product of Vietnam” label, customers who purchased the new Dual Knit headband as a standalone item have noticed that the accessory is made in China. The original Vision Pro was manufactured by China-based Luxshare Precision Industry Co., which also makes some AirPods.”
The timing of this shift is particularly significant as Apple continues to balance complex geopolitical and commercial pressures between the United States and China. Washington has been urging U.S. companies to move more manufacturing back home, while Apple simultaneously maintains strong ties with Chinese suppliers and government officials.
Earlier this year, Apple CEO Tim Cook visited China and reportedly reassured local leaders that the company would continue investing in the region, even as it diversifies production elsewhere.
Production Expands to New Regions
Thanks to the trade tensions between the U.S. and China, Apple has been gradually moving portions of its manufacturing to other Asian countries including Vietnam, India, Thailand, and Malaysia. Despite these efforts, China still handles the majority of Apple’s global production, especially for high-demand devices such as iPhones and Macs.
The decision to assemble the Apple Vision Pro (M5) in Vietnam likely reflects a combination of factors. One of the primary reasons could be the headset’s relatively low production volume and the minor hardware updates it introduces compared to the original model. These smaller changes make it easier to transition manufacturing to a new site without disrupting Apple’s broader supply chain.
Meanwhile, the company is expected to grow its lineup of wearables and head-mounted devices in the coming years. Considering this, diversifying production early will help in reducing future risks related to trade restrictions or political instability.
FAQs
Q1. Where is the new Apple Vision Pro (M5) headset assembled?
Answer. The updated Vision Pro with the M5 chip is now assembled in Vietnam, marking Apple’s strategic shift to diversify its supply chain beyond China.
Q2. Is China still involved in producing parts of the new Vision Pro?
Answer. Yes, while the headset is labelled “Product of Vietnam,” accessories like the Dual Knit Band are still manufactured in China, showing partial reliance on Chinese suppliers.
Q3. Why is Apple moving new Vision Pro production to countries like Vietnam?
Answer. Apple is expanding manufacturing to regions like Vietnam, India, and Malaysia to reduce geopolitical risks, respond to U.S. trade pressures, and prepare for future wearable growth.
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy XR headset, its first mixed reality device developed in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm.
Priced at $1,800, the headset features dual 27MP micro-OLED 8K displays, Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB storage, 6.5MP passthrough cameras, eye and hand tracking, iris recognition, and Dolby Atmos audio for a premium XR experience.
It is available in the US and South Korea with optional accessories, discounts, and an “Explorer Pack” offering Google AI Pro and YouTube Premium.
Samsung has officially launched its much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy XR headset, marking a major step in its collaboration with Google and Qualcomm. The trio aims to deliver a new generation of Android-powered XR (Extended Reality) devices spanning “the full spectrum of XR form factors,” including upcoming AI-powered smart glasses.
Originally teased during the Galaxy Unpacked event in January, the Samsung Galaxy XR was unveiled at a live Galaxy event on October 21. Known earlier by its codename Project Moohan, the device now makes its official debut as Samsung’s flagship entry into the mixed reality space.
Announcing the launch, Won-Joon Choi, Chief Operating Officer of Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics said, “With Galaxy XR, Samsung is introducing a brand-new ecosystem of mobile devices. Built on Android XR, Galaxy XR expands the vision for mobile AI into a new frontier of immersive and meaningful possibilities, allowing XR to move from concept to everyday reality, for both the industry and users.”
“Android XR is the first Android platform built entirely for the Gemini era, and we are incredibly excited to take a significant leap forward today with the launch of Galaxy XR,” said Sameer Samat, President of Android Ecosystem at Google. “Through our partnership with Samsung, Android XR will unlock entirely new ways to explore, connect and create, building an open, unified platform for the next evolution of computing.”
“Galaxy XR embodies our vision for the future, where the synergy of AI and XR transforms the possibilities of personal computing,” said Alex Katouzian, Group GM of Mobile, Compute & XR at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.“We’re thrilled to be collaborating on this initiative, as Galaxy XR will help to bring new use cases across various industries and pave the way for exciting multi-device experiences, all enabled by our work with Samsung and Google.
Here’s more about the newly launched device.
Samsung Galaxy XR Headset – Features, Functions, and Specs
The headset features dual micro-OLED displays boasting a 3,552 x 3,840-pixel resolution per eye, totalling 27 megapixels, nearly equivalent to 8K resolution. It supports refresh rates of 60Hz, 72Hz (default), and 90Hz with a 109° horizontal and 100° vertical field of view for an expansive visual experience.
For an immersive XR experience, the Galaxy XR includes dual 6.5MP cameras with 18mm f/2.0 wide-angle lenses that support video passthrough, enabling users to see their surroundings. These cameras can also capture 3D photos and videos. Six additional world-facing cameras enable inside-out tracking, meaning users don’t need external sensors. These also support hand tracking, the headset’s primary method of control.
It further includes a depth sensor, five IMUs (accelerometer + gyroscope), and a flicker sensor for consistent performance under artificial lighting.
Inside the headset, four eye-tracking cameras detect where users are looking and power iris recognition, which handles unlocking and secure app authentication. Users can adjust the interpupillary distance (54–70mm) and even add optical inserts for vision correction. The removable light shield enhances immersion during VR sessions or can be detached for greater comfort.
Weighing 545 grams with its forehead cushion (and 302 grams for the separate battery), Samsung has engineered the headset’s frame to distribute weight evenly across the head for comfort during extended use. The separate battery reduces strain on the neck and face. However, it’s not meant for outdoor use, Samsung rates the battery life at up to 2.5 hours for basic video playback and around 2 hours for mixed-reality applications.
Under the hood, the Galaxy XR is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip, offering a 20% faster CPU and 15% faster GPU than the previous XR2 Gen 2, alongside 12ms full-colour video passthrough. It’s paired with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
Running on Android XR, the platform supports all Android apps natively and allows developers to create new XR experiences using OpenXR, WebXR, and Unity.
A highlight of the Galaxy XR ecosystem is Google’s Gemini AI integration. The AI assistant can see and hear through the headset, allowing users to interact naturally with their surroundings. For instance, you can plan trips with Google Maps, discover places to visit, or ask Gemini questions while watching YouTube videos. In video passthrough mode, simply circle an object with your finger to trigger an instant search.
The headset isn’t just about productivity and Samsung has included powerful entertainment capabilities too. Users can stream TV shows in a theatre-like view, watch multiple sports feeds simultaneously, or play XR-optimised games with real-time assistance from Gemini. Adobe’s Project Pulsar brings XR-based video editing, while built-in AI tools can even convert 2D content into 3D.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) and Bluetooth 5.4 for low-latency performance. The headset is equipped with six microphones to capture ambient and voice audio, and dual two-way speakers (woofer + tweeter) supporting Dolby Atmos, HDR10, and HLG video playback for an immersive audiovisual experience.
Samsung Galaxy XR Headset – Key Specifications At a Glance –
Displays: Micro-OLED (27MP total, 3,552 x 3,840 per eye)
Refresh Rate: Up to 90Hz
Field of View: 109° horizontal, 100° vertical
Processor: Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 256GB
Camera: 6.5MP (dual)
Weight: 545g (headset), 302g (battery)
Special Features: Iris recognition, Dolby Atmos, HDR10, HLG support
Video Playback: 8K UHD (7680 x 4320) at 60fps
Samsung Galaxy XR Headset – Price and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy XR is now available in the US and South Korea for $1,800, while the optional Galaxy XR Controller costs $249.99. Samsung is also offering 24-month financing plans and an exclusive “Explorer Pack” for 2025 buyers, which includes a one-year Google AI Pro subscription, YouTube Premium, and access to special XR content.
In the US, customers can get 30% off accessories such as cases, controllers, and Galaxy Buds3 Pro, plus a 10% student discount on the headset itself. The package also includes free access to premium XR apps, gaming experiences, and NBA content.
Meanwhile, Samsung and Google is further partnering with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to create stylish eyewear options for future XR devices, blending fashion with cutting-edge technology.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Samsung Galaxy XR headset and who collaborated on it?
Answer. The Galaxy XR is Samsung’s flagship mixed reality headset, developed in partnership with Google and Qualcomm. It runs on Android XR and integrates Gemini AI for immersive, AI-powered experiences.
Q2. What are the key display and camera features of the Galaxy XR?
Answer. It features dual micro-OLED displays with 27MP total resolution (3,552 x 3,840 per eye), supporting up to 90Hz refresh rate. For passthrough and 3D capture, it includes dual 6.5MP wide-angle cameras and six world-facing cameras for hand tracking and inside-out spatial awareness.
Q3. Which processor powers the Galaxy XR and how much memory does it have?
Answer. The headset is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip, offering improved CPU and GPU performance. It comes with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
Q4. What AI features are included in the Galaxy XR experience?
Answer. Gemini AI enables natural interaction with the environment, users can ask questions, plan trips, or trigger searches by pointing at objects. It also supports real-time assistance in games and XR-based video editing via Adobe’s Project Pulsar.
Q5. How much does the Galaxy XR cost and what’s included in the launch offer?
Answer. The headset is priced at $1,800 in the US and South Korea. Buyers can opt for a $249.99 controller and receive an “Explorer Pack” with Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, and exclusive XR content. Discounts on accessories and student pricing are also available.
The Poco F8 Ultra has appeared on Thailand’s NBTC certification site.
It is suggested to be the upcoming global release likely as a rebranded Redmi K90 Pro Max.
It may feature a 6.9″ 2K OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip, up to 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, and a 7,650mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.
Caption – Poco F8 Ultra could launch a global variant of the China-released Redmi K90 Pro Max (in picture). (Image credit – Redmi)
The new listing leak suggests that Poco’s next flagship in the F-series is on its way and will likely be the global variant of the Redmi K90 Pro Max. While the company has not yet confirmed the existence of this device in question, all speculations hint that it is the upcoming Poco F8 Ultra. Here’s what we know so far.
Poco F8 Ultra NBTC Certification
Caption – Poco F8 Ultra on Thailand’s NBTC certification database. (Screenshot by @ZionsAnvin on X)
The likely Poco F8 Ultra has surfaced on Thailand’s NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) certification database, hinting at its imminent global debut. This follows the launch of the Poco F7 Ultra, which was approved by the same authority and officially unveiled in March earlier this year.
The details were first shared by tipster Anvin @ZionsAnvin on X (formerly Twitter).
According to the NBTC certification, the unannounced Poco F8 Ultra carries the model number 25102PCBEG. The listing reveals that the smartphone supports GSM, WCDMA, LTE, and NR networks, confirming 5G connectivity. It also mentions that the device is manufactured in China, further solidifying its link to Xiaomi’s production base.
Interestingly, the model number resembles that of the Redmi K90 Pro Max (25102RKBEC), where “RK” seemingly represents Redmi K-series, while “PC” in the Poco device’s model number signifies Poco branding. This pattern strongly indicates that the Poco F8 Ultra could be a rebranded version of the Redmi K90 Pro Max for international markets.
Given its appearance on the certification platform, the Poco F8 Ultra is expected to launch later this year or by early 2026.
Poco F8 Ultra – Key Specifications (Expected)
Caption – Recently launched Redmi K90 Pro Max in the picture for reference. (Image credit – Redmi)
If the Poco F8 Ultra indeed mirrors the Redmi K90 Pro Max, it may feature a 6.9-inch OLED display with 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The device is likely to run on HyperOS 3 based on Android 16 and include an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure biometric authentication.
Under the hood, the smartphone could be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. Powering the device might be a 7,650mAh battery supporting 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, though the Poco F8 Ultra might feature a slightly smaller battery capacity than its Redmi counterpart.
For optics, the handset is rumoured to sport a triple 50MP rear camera setup, consisting of a 50MP OmniVision OV50 sensor as the primary lens, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom and OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation). On the front, it may house a 20MP selfie camera.
Other expected features include a 2.1 speaker system for enhanced audio quality and an IP68/IP69-certified body for water and dust resistance.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Poco F8 Ultra and how is it related to the Redmi K90 Pro Max?
Answer. The Poco F8 Ultra is expected to be a rebranded global variant of the Redmi K90 Pro Max. Both devices share similar model numbers, suggesting they are essentially the same phone tailored for different markets.
Q2. What are the expected specifications of the Poco F8 Ultra?
Answer. It may feature a 6.9-inch 2K OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip, up to 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, and a 7,650mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.
Q3. What camera setup is rumoured for the Poco F8 Ultra?
Answer. The device is expected to include a triple 50MP rear camera system, main, ultra-wide, and periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom and OIS, plus a 20MP front camera.
Realme GT8 and GT8 Pro launched in China featuring a 6.79″ 2K 144Hz OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, R1 graphics engine, and a 7000mAh battery with up to 120W fast charging.
GT8 Pro boasts a 200MP Ricoh-engineered periscope lens with GR modes, 8K imaging, and custom tones; GT8 offers a 50MP periscope and 16MP front camera.
Prices start at ¥2899 ($561) for the base Realme GT8 model in China.
Caption – Realme GT8 and Realme GT8 Pro launched in China. (Image credit – Realme)
Realme has officially unveiled Realme GT8 and Realme GT8 Pro flagship smartphones in China. The smartphone lineup marks a major leap forward in design, display, performance, and camera technology. Both phones feature cutting-edge specifications and will soon make their way to global markets. Here’s more about both model.
Realme GT8 and Realme GT8 Pro – Display, Processor, Battery and More
The realme GT8 series boasts a 6.79-inch 2K 144Hz Sky Dome OLED flat display with an impressive 3200Hz instantaneous touch sampling rate and 360Hz four-finger sampling rate. Built using Q10 + BOE custom luminous materials, the screen offers up to 7000 nits peak brightness, 2000 nits global brightness, and 4000 nits Sunlight Display, delivering twice the brightness for clearer outdoor visibility.
It also supports hardware-level DC dimming, 1-nit ultra-dark mode, and True Color eye protection with a dedicated eye comfort mode.
Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB UFS 4.1 storage. To keep performance stable, realme has equipped the phones with a massive 7000mm² Ultra-Coverage Cold Front Cooling VC system, its largest ever that offers 30% more coverage than its predecessor.
The phones also integrate a dedicated R1 graphics chip, enabling super-resolution and super-frame modes for over 100 mobile games. The GT Performance Engine supports 2K+120FPS gameplay and 144Hz high-frame modes in select popular shooting titles.
For audio, the devices feature Dual 1115E symmetrical speakers with N’Bass bass enhancement, a full-cavity design, and an immersive surround sound field.
In terms of haptics, they include an 0816 AAC top-level ultra-wideband pulse motor based on third-generation ESA technology, offering precise and powerful 4D vibration feedback for gaming.
The GT8 series houses a 7000mAh second-gen Titan battery. As for charging, here’s what both models offer –
GT8: 100W wired fast charging
GT8 Pro: 120W wired + 50W wireless flash charging (50% charge in just 15 minutes
Both phones fully charge in under 45 minutes and feature the Sky Communication System with Sky Signal Chip S1, improving cellular gaming performance by 25% even under weak signal conditions. They support N79 and 21 global 5G bands.
The phones run Android 16 with realme UI 7.0 on top and come with IP66, IP68, and IP69 dust and water resistance ratings, a first for the GT lineup.
Realme GT8 and Realme GT8 Pro – Camera System
Realme has partnered with Ricoh Imaging Company to co-engineer the GT8 Pro’s camera system, drawing inspiration from Ricoh’s GR series. The phone features a 200MP Ultra-Light and Shadow Periscope Telephoto lens, meeting official Ricoh GR optical standards. The co-developed ultra-high transparency lens group ensures low glare, high clarity, and minimal distortion.
A special “Ricoh GR Mode” is included, featuring –
Fast Operation – Mimics Ricoh GR IV’s quick shutter response and signature sound.
Viewfinder Mode – Offers an unobstructed, minimalist view for composing shots.
The GT8 Pro also supports two Ricoh-style focal lengths, 28mm for wide shots and 40mm for tighter compositions, alongside five exclusive GR tones. These tones include Standard, Positive Film, Negative Film, Monotone, and High-Contrast B&W. Users can also create custom tones via the “Customised Tone” feature.
Camera Specs
Realme GT8 Pro –
200MP periscope telephoto lens
50MP 1/1.56″ main camera
50MP ultra-wide sensor
32MP front camera
Realme GT8 –
50MP 1/1.56″ main camera
50MP 3.5X periscope telephoto
8MP ultra-wide sensor
16MP front camera
The 200MP lens supports –
True 200MP Mode with multi-frame fusion
8K Ultra-HD imaging with 4x resolution
3x Optical Zoom and 6x Lossless Zoom
25cm Telephoto Close-ups for capturing intricate details
Realme GT8 Pro Design Elements
The realme GT8 Pro introduces a “new mechanical assembly design”, making it the first smartphone in the industry with a detachable and replaceable Deco system. Users can switch between various lens module designs –
Functional Robot – The default module combines the flash, colour temperature sensor, and screws into a robotic shape.
Classic Round Deco – Offers a balanced, timeless aesthetic.
Square Deco – Features a metal porthole design with bold lines for a performance-oriented look.
Transparent Rubik’s Cube – Adds a futuristic touch, resembling a robot with a space helmet.
Colour options are as follows –
White – AG frosted glass finish, smooth and fingerprint-resistant.
Blue – Recycled paper-like leather texture, elegant yet durable.
Green – Refreshing tone with a unique paper texture that stands out.
Meanwhile, the GT8 carries a non-replaceable circular camera design and comes in similar shades.
Realme GT8 and Realme GT8 Pro – Price and Availability
The Realme GT8 and GT8 Pro are now available in China with global launches confirmed soon.
Q1. What processors power the Realme GT8 and GT8 Pro?
Answer. Both phones are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB UFS 4.1 storage for flagship-level performance.
Q2. What are the camera specs of the Realme GT8 Pro?
Answer. The GT8 Pro features a 200MP periscope telephoto lens, 50MP main sensor, 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 32MP front camera, co-developed with Ricoh Imaging.
Q3. What’s unique about the Realme GT8 Pro’s design?
Answer. It introduces a modular Deco system with swappable lens modules like Functional Robot, Classic Round, and Transparent Rubik’s Cube, offering customizable aesthetics.
Q4. How fast do the Realme GT8 and GT8 Pro charge?
Answer. The GT8 supports 100W wired charging, while the GT8 Pro offers 120W wired and 50W wireless charging, reaching 50% in just 15 minutes and full charge in under 45 minutes.
Q5. What is the price range for the Realme GT8 series in China?
Answer. The GT8 starts at ¥2,899 ($561), with multiple configurations up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage.
Google Wallet will soon support Android 16’s Live Updates, showing real-time progress for flights, trains, and events across multiple UI surfaces.
Dynamic alerts will appear on the lock screen, always-on display, and status bar, replacing static notifications for travel-related updates.
Users can add cards via supported bank apps without manual entry and Android 12 users will get loyalty pass alerts imported from Gmail.
Google Wallet gets Live updates. (Image credit – 9to5Google)
Google Wallet is set to receive a major upgrade as part of its continued evolution under the Material You (Material 3 Expressive) redesign. The app will soon integrate Android 16’s Live Updates feature to deliver real-time information for key travel journeys including flights, train trips, and events. Here’s more on that.
Real-Time Travel Tracking Coming to Google Wallet
Until now, Google Wallet has relied on traditional notifications to provide updates such as alerts for boarding time changes or flight delays. With the upcoming update, these notifications will become more dynamic and interactive through Live Updates.
According to Google, this feature will display live progress bars for flights, show journey statuses for trains and events, and appear in multiple places including on the always-on display, lock screen, and even as a pill-shaped indicator next to the time in the status bar.
Google Maps live updates Android 16. (Image credit – 9to5Google)
The expansion of Live Updates into Google Wallet aligns with Google’s broader vision for Android 16. Back at Google I/O 2025, the company revealed that Google Maps, Waymo, and Uber Eats (along with other ride-share and food delivery apps) would adopt Live Updates as well. The addition of travel-related features in Wallet naturally extends this real-time ecosystem.
This new functionality was spotted in version 25.41 of Google Play services, as noted in the Google System Services Release Notes. However, as is often the case, it may take several weeks or even months before the feature becomes available to all users.
New Alerts and Card Integration Features
Google is also refining how notifications and card management work within Wallet. Users running Android 12 or earlier will now receive a notification if they have a loyalty pass imported from Gmail and the Wallet app installed.
Additionally, Google confirmed that users will now be able to add cards directly through supported issuer apps without entering any details manually. This means bank apps can seamlessly integrate with Google Wallet, allowing users to add credit or debit cards digitally without needing to scan or input physical card information.
Google’s Notes on the Update –
Users can view Live Updates in Google Wallet for flights, train trips, and events.
Users will get a notification on Android 12 or earlier models and the loyalty pass will be imported from Gmail with the Wallet app installed.
Cards can be added through supported issuer apps without entering details.
FAQs
Q1. What new feature is coming to Google Wallet with Android 16?
Answer. Google Wallet will support Android 16’s Live Updates, showing real-time progress for flights, train journeys, and events directly on the lock screen and status bar.
Q2. How will Live Updates improve travel notifications in Google Wallet?
Answer. Instead of static alerts, users will see dynamic progress bars and journey statuses across multiple surfaces, including the always-on display and pill-shaped indicators.
Q3. Can users add cards to Google Wallet without manual entry?
Answer. Yes, supported bank apps will allow users to add credit or debit cards directly to Google Wallet without scanning or entering card details manually.
The iPhone 17 Pro scored 154 points in DxOMark’s selfie camera rankings, outperforming rivals like the Honor Magic6 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
The phone introduces an 18MP f/1.9 front camera with a square sensor, replacing the 12MP unit from the iPhone 16 Pro for better framing flexibility.
It offers sharp depth of field and natural bokeh via Face ID module, but shows some noise in low light and could improve video stabilisation.
iPhone 17 Pro selfie camera excels in latest camera test. (Image credit – Apple)
The latest iPhone 17 Pro model features a major front camera upgrade that you may have missed noticing. It replaces the 12MP front sensor from the iPhone 16 Pro with a completely new 18MP f/1.9 lens that uses an innovative square sensor. Interestingly, this is a first in the smartphone industry.
Now, thanks to this upgrade, Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro has set a new benchmark for smartphone selfies. The phone has topped DxOMark’s front camera leaderboard with an impressive 154-point score. Here’s the full story.
iPhone 17 Pro Front Camera Test Results
While the iPhone 16 Pro used a 12MP f/1.9 front camera with a 1/3.6-inch sensor, the new iPhone 17 Pro introduces a larger 18MP f/1.9 square sensor, offering unique framing flexibility. This new design allows users to switch seamlessly between square, portrait, and landscape photos without physically rotating the device, a convenience unmatched by any current competitor.
The iPhone 17 Pro’s selfie camera test scores. (Screenshot from DXOmark)
In DxOMark’s detailed review, the iPhone 17 Pro achieved 154 points, earning the top spot in the global selfie camera rankings. It outperformed the iPhone 16 Pro and Honor Magic6 Pro, both of which scored 151 points, followed by the iPhone 15 Pro (149 points) and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (148 points).
According to the analysis, the iPhone 17 Pro excels in exposure accuracy, wide dynamic range, and colour reproduction. Skin tones can occasionally appear slightly warmer. But overall, images look natural and vibrant. The 20mm focal length also makes it easier to capture larger group selfies compared to the 23mm lens of its predecessor.
Despite not featuring a variable aperture, the camera maintains a solid depth of field, keeping both foreground and background subjects equally sharp. DxOMark also highlights Apple’s precise bokeh effect, which benefits from the Face ID depth-sensing module, giving portraits a natural separation between subject and background.
While the iPhone 17 Pro delivers outstanding overall performance, DxOMark notes that the smaller sensor size still results in visible image noise under low-light conditions. Additionally, video stabilisation could be more refined, something noticeable in sample test footage.
Here’s a quick video recording test from the front sensor of iPhone 17 Pro.
In its report, DxOMark stated, “The Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers an outstanding performance in the DxOMark Selfie tests and takes the top spot in our smartphone front camera ranking. This improvement is driven by a redesigned 18MP Center Stage front camera, featuring the first square image sensor on an iPhone camera. The hardware changes are combined with refined image processing algorithms for a well-rounded and consistent selfie shooting experience in both photo and video modes.”
FAQs
Q1. What is new about the iPhone 17 Pro’s front camera?
Answer. The iPhone 17 Pro features an 18MP f/1.9 front camera with a square sensor, an industry-first design that allows seamless switching between square, portrait, and landscape framing.
Q2. How did the iPhone 17 Pro perform in DxOMark’s selfie camera test?
Answer. It scored 154 points, topping DxOMark’s global selfie rankings by outperforming the iPhone 16 Pro, Honor Magic6 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL in exposure, color, and dynamic range.
Q3. Are there any drawbacks to the iPhone 17 Pro’s front camera?
Answer. Yes, DxOMark notes visible image noise in low-light conditions and room for improvement in video stabilization, despite its overall excellent performance.
Redmi K90 Pro Max teaser reveals Light Hunter 950 sensor with 5x optical and 10x lossless zoom, plus a 6.9″ display with Qingshan Eye Protection 3.0 and DC dimming.
The phone will be powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Xiaomi’s D2 graphics chip, offering super-resolution and gaming optimisations for high-end performance.
It packs a 7,560mAh battery with 100W wired, 50W wireless, 22.5W reverse charging and supports PPS protocol for broad charger compatibility.
Caption – Redmi K90 Pro Max launch date confirmed. (Image credit – Redmi)
Xiaomi is gearing up to unveil its Redmi K90 series in China on October 23, 2025. Ahead of the official launch, the company has revealed several key specifications of the top-end Redmi K90 Pro Max. The brand has already showcased the phone’s design and 2.1 speaker setup and now, a series of teasers has provided a closer look at the hardware. Here’s what we know about the upcoming phone so far.
Redmi K90 Pro Max – Key Specs Teased Officially
Redmi K90 Pro Max display and camera specs confirmed. (Image credit – Redmi)
According to Xiaomi’s latest teasers on Weibo, the Redmi K90 Pro Max will feature the same Light Hunter 950 primary camera sensor used in the Xiaomi 17. This 1/1.31-inch high-dynamic sensor is designed to capture detailed and vivid shots even in low-light conditions.
Alongside the main camera, the smartphone will include a periscope telephoto lens with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS). Xiaomi confirms that this lens supports 5x optical zoom and 10x lossless zoom for sharper long-range photography. Although the company has not yet detailed the third rear sensor, it is widely expected to be an ultrawide camera.
The Redmi K90 Pro Max will sport a 6.9-inch display, which Xiaomi claims offers the same visual experience as the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max (currently available on TradingShenzhen). The screen comes with Qingshan Eye Protection 3.0, 1-nit brightness support, and full DC dimming, ensuring comfortable viewing in bright and low-light environments alike.
Redmi K90 Pro Max processor and battery specs confirmed. (Image credit – Redmi)
It will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with Xiaomi’s D2 graphics chip. This combination brings hardware-level super-resolution support and a range of gaming-focused optimisations, positioning the phone as a performance powerhouse for mobile gamers.
Powering the device is a massive 7,560mAh battery, which surpasses the battery capacity of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. The phone will support 100W wired fast charging, 50W wireless charging, and 22.5W reverse charging, giving users multiple options for powering up. Xiaomi also confirms that the Redmi K90 Pro Max supports the PPS charging protocol that ensures broad compatibility with modern fast chargers.
More official details are expected to be revealed ahead of the October 23 launch event.
Below are some of the official Wiebo posts –
Caption – Official Redmi posts on Weibo. (Translated via Google Translate)
FAQs
Q1.What processor and GPU will power the Redmi K90 Pro Max?
Answer. The Redmi K90 Pro Max will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with Xiaomi’s D2 graphics chip for enhanced gaming and super-resolution support.
Q2. What are the camera capabilities of the Redmi K90 Pro Max?
Answer. It features the Light Hunter 950 primary sensor (1/1.31″), a periscope telephoto lens with OIS, 5x optical zoom, and 10x lossless zoom. An ultrawide sensor is also expected.
Q3. How big is the battery in the Redmi K90 Pro Max and what charging options are available?
Answer. The phone packs a 7,560mAh battery with 100W wired, 50W wireless, and 22.5W reverse charging. It also supports the PPS fast charging protocol.
QOO Pad 5e, Watch GT 2, and TWS 5 launched in China.
iQOO TWS 5 earbuds offer 60dB adaptive noise cancellation, 360° spatial audio, 42ms low latency, and up to 48-hour playback; priced at ¥399 ($56).
iQOO Watch GT 2 features a 2.07″ AMOLED display, 100+ sports modes, eSIM support, DeepSeek AI, and up to 33-day battery life; starts at ¥499 ($70).
iQOO Pad 5e tablet packs a 12.05″ 2.8K LCD, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, quad speakers, 10,000mAh battery, and starts at ¥1,999 ($275).
Caption – iQOO Unveils Pad 5e Tablet, Watch GT 2 Smartwatch, and TWS 5 Earbuds in China. (Image credit – iQOO)
iQOO has expanded its product lineup in China with the launch of the iQOO TWS 5 earbuds, iQOO Watch GT 2 smartwatch, and iQOO Pad 5e tablet. These new devices were unveiled alongside the new flagship iQOO 15 smartphone.
While we will discuss the iQOO 15 in a separate post, here’s everything you need to know about the newly launched devices.
The new iQOO TWS 5 wireless earbuds come equipped with 11mm dynamic drivers powered by the BES2710Y sound platform and feature second-generation ceramic tungsten diaphragms for superior sound quality. They support LDAC, AAC, SBC, and LC3 codecs, covering a wide audio range of 16Hz to 48kHz.
The earbuds deliver adaptive noise cancellation up to 60dB and 5500Hz wideband noise reduction, along with AI call noise cancellation and a dual transparency mode. Designed for gamers, they offer 42ms ultra-low latency, ensuring lag-free audio during gameplay and streaming.
The TWS 5 supports 360-degree spatial audio powered by a professional sound field engine offering four spatial sound modes. Each earbud weighs just 4.8g and houses a 56mAh battery, providing up to 12 hours of playback with ANC off or 6 hours with ANC on. The charging case packs a 513mAh battery, extending total playback time to 48 hours (ANC off) or 24 hours (ANC on).
With Bluetooth 5.4 LE connectivity and an IP54 dust and splash resistance rating, the iQOO TWS 5 combines durability and convenience. The case measures 60×23.8×46 mm, while each earbud measures 22.05×23.6×30.27 mm.
Available in Racing Yellow and Electric White, the earbuds are priced at 399 yuan (around $56) with sales starting October 25 in China.
iQOO Watch GT 2 – Key Features and Pricing
Caption – iQOO Watch GT 2. (Image credit – iQOO)
The iQOO Watch GT 2 sports an aluminium alloy body and a 2.07-inch 2.5D curved AMOLED display with a 432×514 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of 2400 nits. It also supports Always-On Display and offers an 82.4% screen-to-body ratio.
The smartwatch includes a range of health and activity sensors such as heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO₂), acceleration, gyroscope, geomagnetic, Hall, and ambient light sensors. It supports over 100 sports modes and features all-day heart rate tracking, SpO₂ monitoring, sleep and stress tracking, menstrual cycle tracking, noise detection, and fitness courses.
A notable addition is its e-sports heart rate monitoring and floating heart rate window, designed specifically for mobile gaming sessions. The watch runs on Blue OS 3.0 and integrates the DeepSeek AI assistant. It includes a speaker and microphone for voice calls and supports LTE (via eSIM), Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, Beidou, and NFC payments.
Battery life differs by variant. The Bluetooth model packs a 695mAh battery lasting up to 33 days, while the eSIM version uses a 595mAh battery that lasts up to 8 days. The smartwatch weighs 35.8g and measures 47.54×40.19×10.97 mm.
The iQOO Watch GT 2 is available in Blazing Black, Phantom Black, and Star White colours. Prices start at 499 yuan (around $70) for the Bluetooth version and 699 yuan (around $98) for the eSIM model.
iQOO Pad 5e – Key Features and Pricing
Caption – iQOO Pad 5e. (Image credit – iQOO)
The iQOO Pad 5e tablet is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor and features a 12.05-inch 2.8K LCD display with a 144Hz adaptive refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate. It uses DC dimming to reduce eye strain and enhance comfort.
The tablet offers multiple configurations, 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of UFS storage. It runs Android 15 with OriginOS 5 for tablets on top. Designed for productivity, it supports cross-device notebook communication and PC-level WPS tools.
Caption – iQOO Pad 5e key features. (Image credit – iQOO)
Thermal performance is maintained through a 32,200mm² 3D heat dissipation system. The tablet also includes an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera for video calls.
It measures 266.43×192×6.62 mm, weighs 584g, and includes quad speakers with USB-C audio, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity. A 10,000mAh battery powers the tablet supporting 44W fast charging.
Caption – iQOO Pad 5e colours. (Image credit – iQOO)
Pricing starts at 1,999 yuan for the 8GB + 128GB variant, followed by 2,299 yuan (8GB + 256GB), 2,599 yuan (12GB + 256GB), and 2,999 yuan (16GB + 512GB).
The iQOO Pad 5e is already available in China, though the company hasn’t confirmed a global release yet.
FAQs
Q1. What are the standout features of the iQOO TWS 5 earbuds?
Answer. The TWS 5 earbuds offer 60dB adaptive noise cancellation, 360° spatial audio, 42ms low latency, and up to 48 hours of playback with ANC off. They support LDAC, AAC, SBC, and LC3 codecs.
Q2. How much do the iQOO TWS 5 earbuds cost?
Answer. The earbuds are priced at ¥399 (approximately $56) and are available in Racing Yellow and Electric White, with sales starting October 25 in China.
Q3. What makes the iQOO Watch GT 2 suitable for gamers?
Answer. It includes e-sports heart rate monitoring and a floating heart rate window, designed to track stress and performance during mobile gaming sessions.
Q4. What are the display and battery specs of the iQOO Watch GT 2?
Answer. It features a 2.07″ AMOLED display with 2400 nits peak brightness. The Bluetooth variant offers up to 33 days of battery life, while the eSIM model lasts up to 8 days.
Q5. What are the key specs of the iQOO Pad 5e tablet?
Answer. The Pad 5e has a 12.05″ 2.8K LCD, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip, up to 16GB RAM, quad speakers, and a 10,000mAh battery with 44W fast charging. It runs Android 15 with OriginOS 5.
iQOO 15 debuts in China in multiple variants from up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage.
It features a 6.85″ 2K+ AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, Q3 gaming chip, OriginOS 6 (Android 16), IP68/IP69 rating, RGB-lit camera module, triple 50MP rear cameras and a massive 7,000mAh battery.
The phone is expected to launch in India next month.
iQOO has confirmed that the iQOO 15 will launch in India next month. Notably, it will ship with OriginOS 6 UI, dropping the Funtouch OS that previously featured on iQOO’s global variants.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new iQOO flagship, starting with price.
iQOO 15 – Price and Availability in China
Caption – iQOO 15 colours. (Image credit – iQOO)
In China, the iQOO 15 has arrived in multiple configurations and colour options. Variant-wise price of the new phone is as follows –
12GB + 256GB – CNY 4,199 (approx. $590)
12GB + 512GB – CNY 4,699 (approx. $660)
16GB + 256GB – CNY 4,499 (approx. $630)
16GB + 512GB – CNY 4,999 (approx. $700)
16GB + 1TB – CNY 5,499 (approx. $770)
There’s also a special “Honor of Kings 10th Anniversary Collector’s Edition” featuring 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, priced at CNY 5,499 ($770).
Caption – iQOO 15 all variants. (Image credit – iQOO)
The device is available in Track Edition (Black), Legendary Edition (White), Lingyun, and Wilderness (Light Green) colour variants.
iQOO 15 – Key Specifications
The iQOO 15 sports a 6.85-inch 2K+ curved Samsung M14 8T LTPO AMOLED display with HDR10+ certification, 144Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Vision support. The panel boasts up to 6,000 nits peak brightness, 2,600 nits in High Brightness Mode, and 2160Hz PWM dimming for improved eye comfort.
Caption – iQOO 15 display. (Image credit – iQOO)
Under the hood, the phone is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset paired with the Adreno 840 GPU. The inclusion of a self-developed Q3 gaming chip enhances performance by offloading graphics and processing tasks for smoother, more immersive gameplay. The iQOO 15 comes with 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage.
Design-wise, the smartphone continues with a squiricle camera module surrounded by RGB lighting, which activates for games, notifications, and music.
The device runs on OriginOS 6.0 based on Android 16 and houses a massive 7,000mAh battery supporting 100W wired charging and 40W wireless charging. While the wired charging speed is slightly reduced from 120W last year, the increased battery capacity should deliver longer endurance.
Caption – iQOO 15 camera features. (Image credit – iQOO)
The iQOO 15 features a triple rear camera system –
50MP primary sensor with OIS
50MP ultra-wide lens
50MP 3x periscope telephoto lens with OIS
For selfies and video calls, it includes a 32MP front camera.
Like its predecessor, the iQOO 15 integrates an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor. The phone is also IP68/IP69 certified, which offers resistance against dust, water immersion up to 1.5 meters, and even high-pressure water jets, ensuring durability in various environments.
FAQs
Q1. What are the key features of the iQOO 15?
Answer. The iQOO 15 features a 6.85″ 2K+ AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, Q3 gaming chip, 7,000mAh battery, and OriginOS 6 based on Android 16.
Q2. How much does the iQOO 15 cost in China?
Answer. Prices range from CNY 4,199 ($770) for the 16GB+1TB and Collector’s Edition models.
Q3. What camera setup does the iQOO 15 offer?
Answer. It includes a triple rear camera system: 50MP main sensor with OIS, 50MP ultra-wide lens, and 50MP 3x periscope telephoto lens with OIS, plus a 32MP front camera.
Q4. Is the iQOO 15 launching outside China?
Answer. Yes, iQOO has confirmed the iQOO 15 will launch in India next month, and it will ship with OriginOS 6 instead of the previously used Funtouch OS.
Q5. What makes the iQOO 15 durable?
Answer. The phone is IP68/IP69 certified, offering protection against dust, water immersion up to 1.5 meters, and high-pressure water jets. It also features an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.
Apple stock hits record high at $263 per share, driven by strong early demand for the iPhone 17 lineup.
iPhone 17 sees robust sales globally with the base model up 31% year-on-year and the Pro Max leading in U.S. demand due to increased carrier subsidies.
iPhone Air sells out instantly in China, despite a delayed launch, while many users are upgrading for the first time since the pandemic.\
(Photo by Aditya Chinchure on Unsplash)
Apple’s stock has surged to a record high, climbing to around $263 per share amid rising investor optimism fueled by strong iPhone 17 sales. Here’s the full story.
iPhone 17 Sales Power AAPL’s Market Momentum
Apple is set to announce its next quarterly earnings next week, which will offer the first official look at iPhone 17 sales performance. However, early third-party reports already suggest that the latest iPhone lineup is generating impressive demand across major markets.
This growing confidence has led Apple’s share price to surge with AAPL currently hovering near $263, marking a new all-time high. The Apple stock is expected to continue fluctuating as trading continues. The bullish sentiment was further strengthened as Loop Capital upgraded its rating for Apple stock from “Hold” to “Buy.”
CNBC report explains, “While [Wall] Street is baking in some degree of outperformance from AAPL’s iPhone 17 family of products, we believe there remains material upside to Street expectations through CY2027,” Loop Capital’s Ananda Baruah said in a note to clients on Monday.”
Apple’s previous record close was in December last year, when shares ended the day at $258.10.
The broader stock market is also performing well today. According to CNBC, this is reportedly driven by optimism that the U.S. government shutdown could be resolved soon.
While AI-driven momentum continues to dominate Wall Street, concerns around Apple’s efforts to enhance Siri with AI do not seem to be discouraging investors. The strong demand for the iPhone 17 lineup appears to be the main growth catalyst at the moment.
Strong Demand for Both Entry-Level and Premium iPhone 17 Models
Base iPhone 17 model. (Image credit – Apple)
Meanwhile, a new market intelligence report revealed that both the cheapest and most expensive iPhone 17 models are seeing strong sales. The base iPhone 17 is reportedly performing exceptionally well with sales during the first 10 days of release nearly one-third higher than the iPhone 16 achieved in the same period last year.
Counterpoint Research reports that the iPhone 17 is experiencing particularly high demand in China, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the most sought-after model in the U.S.
The report reads, “The iPhone 17 series have outsold the iPhone 16 series by 14% during the first 10 days of availability in China and the US, Apple’s two key markets that make up the bulk of iPhone sales globally […] Of the four iPhone variants, this year’s base model iPhone 17 is performing well, especially in China, where consumers are reacting warmly to its strong value offering […] In the US, the iPhone 17 Pro Max has seen the strongest ramp in demand as the big three carriers boost maximum subsidies by 10% ($100), reflecting a strategic shift towards ultra-premium customer segments in the US market.”
Demand for the base model has risen 31% year-on-year, while sales of the Pro Max have increased by 12%.
Meanwhile, sales data for the new iPhone Air remain limited since its China launch was delayed, but local reports indicate that it sold out within minutes in several cities once it became available.
The 9to5Mac report noted, “According to a report from the South China Morning Post, the iPhone Air “sold out within minutes of its launch in China” earlier today. The report explains that “minutes after” pre-orders began on Friday morning, the iPhone Air was sold out “at all bricks-and-mortar stores in Beijing and Shanghai, as well as in cities like Tianjin.” Online shipping estimates for the iPhone Air in China have also shipped to November in many configurations.”
The report adds that many existing iPhone users are now upgrading their devices for the first time since the pandemic, further boosting Apple’s momentum in the smartphone market.
FAQs
Q1. What is driving Apple’s stock to a record high?
Answer. Apple’s stock surged to around $263 per share due to strong early demand for the iPhone 17 lineup, investor optimism ahead of the upcoming earnings report, and an upgrade from Loop Capital from “Hold” to “Buy.”
Q2. Which iPhone 17 models are performing best in key markets?
Answer. The base iPhone 17 is seeing strong demand in China, with sales up 31% year-on-year, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max is leading in the U.S., boosted by increased carrier subsidies targeting premium buyers.
Q3. How did the iPhone Air perform during its China launch?
Answer. Despite a delayed release, the iPhone Air sold out within minutes in major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin, with online shipping estimates already pushed to November.
