Apple, Google and Samsung have reportedly raised strong objections to a new proposal in India that seeks to mandate always-on location tracking in smartphones. The move comes after the Government received a proposal from the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) in June, which stated that precise user location data could be shared only if continuous device-level tracking is enforced. Here’s the full story.
India’s Proposal for Mandatory Always-On Smartphone Location Tracking
COAI, which represents major telecom operators like Reliance and Bharti Airtel, has reportedly suggested that smartphone manufacturers integrate satellite-based Assisted GPS (A-GPS) technology that stays active at all times. As per a Reuters report, an email reviewed by the publication indicates that this system would allow authorities to pinpoint user locations with meter-level accuracy. This tracking will be far more precise than the current cell-tower-based triangulation, which only provides approximate areas.
According to reports, neither MeitY nor the Home Ministry has made a decision yet, and a stakeholder meeting is expected soon. This comes shortly after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) faced backlash and withdrew its circular mandating the Sanchar Saathi app.
Documents and internal emails examined by media outlets suggest the proposal also seeks to remove users’ ability to disable location services.
Currently, users receive pop-up notifications when carriers attempt to access their location data. The proposal reportedly wants those alerts removed as well. Supporters argue that these changes would prevent suspects from being tipped off during criminal investigations and would also help trace stolen or fraudulent devices more effectively.
On the other hand, the India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), which represents Apple and Google, has reportedly raised serious concerns. According to reports, the association sent a confidential letter to the government in July, stating that such a mandate has no precedent “anywhere else in the world.” Samsung has also joined Apple and Google in urging the government not to proceed with these requirements.
Critics argue that enforcing always-on location tracking could undermine user privacy, expose sensitive individuals such as journalists, judges and defence personnel to surveillance risks, and violate global norms on user consent.
For now, the government has not reached a final decision. A meeting between regulators and smartphone makers was reportedly postponed indicating ongoing discussions and unresolved concerns around the proposal.
FAQs
Q1. What does India’s proposal for mandatory always-on location tracking involve?
Answer. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) suggested integrating satellite-based A-GPS that stays active at all times, removing users’ ability to disable location services or receive alerts.
Q2. Why are Apple, Google, and Samsung opposing the proposal?
Answer. They argue it has no global precedent, raises serious privacy concerns, and could expose sensitive groups like journalists, judges, and defence personnel to surveillance risks.
Q3. Has the Indian government made a final decision on the proposal?
Answer. No, regulators have not yet decided. A stakeholder meeting was postponed, and discussions with smartphone makers are still ongoing.
India’s tablet shipments fell 19.7% YoY in Q3 2025 to 1.33M units, with slate tablets down 29.4% but detachable tablets up 7.3%.
Consumer segment grew 13.5% driven by festive sales, online retail (+53.9%), while commercial shipments plunged 53.5% with education (-61.9%) and small offices (-47.9%) hardest hit.
Samsung led with 37.5% share followed by Lenovo (16.8%), Xiaomi (15.5%), Apple (9.2%), and Acer (7.9%).
India’s tablet market declined sharply in Q3 2025 with total shipments falling to 1.33 million units and a 19.7 percent drop year-over-year, according to the IDC Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker. The overall category, which includes slate and detachable tablets, showed mixed performance. Detachable tablets grew 7.3 per cent, but slate tablets dropped 29.4 per cent.
IDC says the main reason for the decline was weak commercial demand, even though the consumer market saw its strongest growth in more than ten years.
The consumer tablet segment grew 13.5 percent year-over-year. This rise was driven by festive season demand, strong promotional offers, bank deals and updated product lineups. Vendors also pushed more inventory into online channels to make the most of major sale events.
This consumer growth stood in contrast to the commercial market, which continued to struggle. Online retail, however, performed well and recorded a 53.9 percent growth compared to last year. On the other hand, commercial tablet shipments fell by 53.5 percent. The education sector was hit the hardest with a 61.9 percent drop due to delayed tenders. Shipments to small offices also fell 47.9 percent as budgets tightened and device replacement cycles became longer.
Priyansh Tiwari, research analyst at IDC India & South Asia, said festive online sales helped boost tablet adoption, especially in smaller cities. He explained that tablets are now being used not just for entertainment but also for work when paired with accessories such as keyboards and styluses. Even with strong consumer demand, he noted that channel inventory is still high and may need correction, although sell-through remains strong.
“Festive e-tail sales provided a significant boost to India’s consumer tablet market, expanding penetration into lower-tier cities through competitive pricing and efficient logistics. Tablets are increasingly emerging as a viable device for both content consumption and creation, especially when bundled with a stylus and keyboard. While channel inventory remains elevated for most vendors and may require correction in the coming quarter, strong sell-through trends indicate that the consumer segment is well-positioned to maintain its growth momentum,” said Priyansh Tiwari , research analyst, IDC India & South Asia.
Korean consumer brand, Samsung led the Indian tablet market in Q3 2025 with a 37.5 percent share. It topped both the commercial segment with 49.7 percent and the consumer segment with 32.6 percent, supported by government education projects and strong online sales. Lenovo came in second with a 16.8 percent share, helped by its 19.3 percent consumer share and growing enterprise demand. Motorola-branded tablets also supported its push toward younger users.
Xiaomi secured third place with a 15.5 percent share, driven by a strong 21.8 percent share in the consumer category. Competitive pricing, exchange deals and bundled accessories during online sales all played a role. Apple ranked fourth with 9.2 percent, maintaining steady demand in enterprise and education. Acer finished fifth with a 7.9 percent share, benefiting from the completion of education-focused projects and a solid 26.4 percent commercial share.
Bharath Shenoy, Research Manager, Devices Research, IDC India & South Asia, said, “India’s tablet market continues to show resilience, with growth opportunities emerging across both consumer and commercial segments. As advanced AI capabilities become more integrated, tablets are evolving into handy productivity devices, offering personalized experiences and more efficient workflows. At the same time, rising PC prices are expected to increase further in the coming quarters. In this environment, tablets are becoming a compelling choice for first-time buyers and a cost-effective option for government-funded initiatives, effectively filling the gap left by traditional PCs.”
FAQ
Q1. How did India’s tablet market perform in Q3 2025?
Answer. Shipments fell 19.7% year-over-year to 1.33 million units, with slate tablets down 29.4% but detachable tablets up 7.3%.
Q2. What drove consumer tablet growth despite the overall decline?
Answer. The consumer segment grew 13.5% YoY, boosted by festive season demand, online retail (+53.9%), promotions, and bundled accessories.
Q3. Which brands led the Indian tablet market in Q3 2025?
Answer. Samsung topped with 37.5% share, followed by Lenovo (16.8%), Xiaomi (15.5%), Apple (9.2%), and Acer (7.9%).
The OnePlus 15R will debut in India on December 17 featuring a massive 7,400mAh unit with 80W fast charging.
It is the largest battery ever seen on any OnePlus phone globally sold.
The phone also features Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, 12GB RAM, a 1.5K AMOLED display, a customisable Plus Key, runs on ColorOS 16, and boasts IP68/69 dust and water resistance.
Caption – OnePlus 15R. (Image credit – OnePlus)
OnePlus has already confirmed that its upcoming sub-flagship model, OnePlus 15R, will make its debut in India on December 17. Ahead of the launch, OnePlus has issued a press release revealing several key details about the upcoming handset. Here’s everything we know about the device so far.
OnePlus 15R Key Features Confirmed
The OnePlus 15R is set to feature the largest battery ever used in a OnePlus phone released globally. While the standard OnePlus 15 includes a 7,300mAh battery, the 15R bumps this up to a 7,400mAh unit paired with 80W fast charging support.
This surpasses all globally sold OnePlus models to date. For comparison, the China-exclusive Ace 6 and Ace 6T come with even larger 7,800mAh and 8,300mAh batteries, respectively.
Powering the device is Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. A recent Geekbench listing indicates the smartphone will include 12GB of RAM and run Android 16 out of the box. It remains to be seen if OnePlus will offer a 16GB RAM variant at launch.
Camera details are still under wraps, but OnePlus has confirmed that the 15R will support 4K 120fps video recording. On the front, the device sports a 1.5K AMOLED display with 450ppi pixel density and peak brightness of up to 1800 nits. The screen also carries TÜV Rheinland Intelligent Eye Care 5.0 certification to enhance eye comfort and reduce visual strain.
Adding to its functionality, the OnePlus 15R includes a dedicated Plus Key, a customisable shortcut button that allows users to quickly access preferred tools or features. The phone will ship with ColorOS 16 and comes with a durable IP68/69-rated body for dust and water resistance.
FAQs
Q1. When will the OnePlus 15R launch in India?
Answer. The OnePlus 15R is scheduled to debut in India on December 17.
Q2. What makes the OnePlus 15R’s battery special?
Answer. It features a 7,400mAh battery, the largest ever in a globally released OnePlus phone, paired with 80W fast charging.
Q3. What are the key performance and durability highlights of the OnePlus 15R?
Answer. The device runs on Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, ships with 12GB RAM and Android 16, supports 4K 120fps video recording, offers a 1.5K AMOLED display with TÜV Rheinland Eye Care 5.0, and comes with IP68/69 dust and water resistance plus a customisable Plus Key.
Apple announced 17 winners of the 2025 App Store Awards across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, Arcade and Vision Pro.
Top winners – Tiimo won iPhone App of the Year, Pokémon TCG Pocket took iPhone Game of the Year, Detail and DREDGE led on iPad, Essayist and Cyberpunk 2077 topped Mac.
Apple also honoured six apps and games for fostering accessibility, inclusion, creativity and social awareness.
Caption – Apple Reveals 2025 App Store Award Winners. (Image credit – Apple)
Apple has officially announced the winners of the 2025 App Store Awards, celebrating 17 standout apps and games across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. This year’s selections were recognised for their innovation, design, user experience, and cultural significance.
AI-powered planner Tiimo secured the iPhone App of the Year, while Pokémon TCG Pocket earned the iPhone Game of the Year title. Other notable winners include Strava, HBO Max, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, StoryGraph, and more.
Apple App Store Awards 2025 – Complete List of Winners
Caption – Tiimo app.
Tiimo topped competitors such as BandLab and LADDER to win iPhone App of the Year, having also been an Apple Design Awards Finalist in 2024. For gaming, Pokémon TCG Pocket beat titles like Capybara Go! and Thronefall to claim iPhone Game of the Year.
In the official newsroom post, Apple CEO Tim Cook said, “This year’s winners represent the creativity and excellence that define the App Store, and they demonstrate the meaningful impact that world-class apps and games have on people everywhere.”
Caption – Detail app.
For iPad users, the AI-backed video editing app Detail was crowned iPad App of the Year, offering intuitive auto-editing tools for short-form and long-form video creation. On the gaming front, DREDGE won iPad Game of the Year, outperforming contenders such as Infinity Nikki and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.
Caption – Essayist app.
On Mac, Essayist secured Mac App of the Year, while Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition by CD Projekt Red won Mac Game of the Year, surpassing Assassin’s Creed: Shadows and Neva.
For Apple Arcade, WHAT THE CLASH? from Triband ApS was declared the best game on the platform.
Apple Vision Pro also had its own category this year. Explore POV claimed Vision Pro App of the Year, and Porta Nubi took home Vision Pro Game of the Year.
On the wearables and TV categories, Strava earned Apple Watch App of the Year, while HBO Max secured Apple TV App of the Year.
Cultural Impact Winners
Beyond technical excellence, Apple honoured five titles that delivered positive cultural and social contributions through the Cultural Impact Awards. These apps and games were highlighted for fostering inclusion, accessibility, awareness, and creativity.
The Cultural Impact awardees include:
Art of Fauna (Klemens Strasser) – A relaxing wildlife illustration puzzle game that sets new benchmarks for accessibility.
Chants of Sennaar (Playdigious) – An adventure game celebrating language and communication through a symbolic narrative.
despelote (Panic, Inc.) – A first-person story offering a heartfelt look at a community united by football amidst national challenges.
Be My Eyes (Be My Eyes) – An AI-supported app that uses a global volunteer network to assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Focus Friend by Hank Green (B-Tech Consulting Group LLC) – A gamified focus timer that helps users fight digital distractions.
StoryGraph (The StoryGraph) – A reading platform that fosters community and discovery, elevating diverse authors and authentic storytelling.
Apple highlighted that “these apps and games were recognised for their positive impact, providing users with helpful tools, promoting understanding, and shaping a more inclusive world.”
FAQs
Q1. Which apps won iPhone App and Game of the Year in 2025?
Answer. Tiimo was named iPhone App of the Year, while Pokémon TCG Pocket won iPhone Game of the Year.
Q2. What were the standout winners across iPad and Mac categories?
Answer. Detail was crowned iPad App of the Year, DREDGE won iPad Game of the Year, Essayist took Mac App of the Year, and Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition won Mac Game of the Year.
Q3. What is the Cultural Impact Award of App Store Awards and who were the winners?
Answer. The Cultural Impact Award honours apps and games with positive social contributions. Winners included Be My Eyes, StoryGraph, Chants of Sennaar, despelote, Focus Friend, and Art of Fauna.
Vivo S50 will launch in four finishes, Confession (White), Inspiration Purple, Gentle Blue, and Space Black.
Expected specs include Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, Android 16, up to 16GB RAM, 90W fast charging, 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, IP69 + IP68 water resistance, LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage.
The Vivo S50 series is set to debut in China in December 2025 with pre-bookings already open.
Vivo is gearing up to introduce its Vivo S50 series in China this month. Ahead of the official debut, the company has now teased all the colour options for the standard Vivo S50 model. The new update highlights four distinct colour finishes including a brand-new shade debuting with this series. Here’s what we know based on the latest teasers.
Vivo S50 – Colour Variants (Revealed)
According to the latest teasers Vivo has shared on its official Weibo account, the Vivo S50 will be available in four colour choices. The brand has posted multiple teaser posters of colour variants namely Confession (White), Inspiration Purple, Gentle Blue, and Space Black.
Among these, the Confession variant is a fresh addition to Vivo’s lineup. The company describes it as a shade featuring “a touch of White that harmonises both sunshine and the first snow,” hinting at a soft, elegant aesthetic previously reported in earlier leaks.
Caption – Vivo S50 Inspiration Purple, Gentle Blue, and Space Black colour variants revealed. (Image credit – Vivo)
The Inspiration Purple option is said to offer a dreamy, romantic feel, while Gentle Blue brings a refreshing and energetic charm. Meanwhile, Space Black aims to deliver a warm, calm, and soothing presence. Notably, Inspiration Purple will also be available for the Vivo S50 Pro mini model, and recent updates on Weibo indicate that the Confession colour may be introduced for the Pro mini as well.
Caption – Vivo’s official posts on Weibo. (Image credit – Vivo)
Vivo S50 Series – Specifications (Expected and Confirmed)
Earlier appearances on Geekbench and China’s 3C certification site confirmed multiple specifications for the Vivo S50. The standard model is expected to come with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, Android 16, up to 16GB RAM, and support for 90W wired fast charging.
Vivo has also confirmed several premium features for the S50 lineup, including a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint 2.0 sensor, IP69 + IP68 dual-level water resistance, LPDDR5X (9600Mbps) RAM, and UFS 4.1 storage.
Additional design elements include a squircle-shaped rear camera module, an aerospace-grade aluminium frame, and construction enhanced by a satin lithography process, offering both durability and aesthetic refinement.
Vivo S50 Series – Launch Timeline
The Vivo S50 series is scheduled to launch in China in December 2025 with pre-bookings already open. However, the company has yet to officially announce the exact launch date.
More details about the Vivo S50 lineup are expected in the coming days as the launch approaches.
FAQs
Q1. What colour options will the Vivo S50 be available in?
Answer. Vivo has teased four finishes i.e. Confession (White), Inspiration Purple, Gentle Blue, and Space Black.
Q2. What specifications are expected for the Vivo S50?
Answer. The standard model is tipped to feature Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, Android 16, up to 16GB RAM, 90W fast charging, IP69 + IP68 water resistance, LPDDR5X RAM, and UFS 4.1 storage.
Q3. When is the Vivo S50 series launching?
Answer. The Vivo S50 lineup is scheduled to launch in China in December 2025, with pre-bookings already open, though the exact date is yet to be announced.
Over the years, itel India has not only cemented its dominance in the sub-₹10,000 segment, but it has also played a pivotal role in accelerating digital inclusion for Bharat’s Tier-2 to Tier-5 consumers. It has one of India’s most extensive distribution ecosystems, spanning 1,000 distributors, 1.3 lakh retailers, and more than 1,000 service centres. The brand stands at the forefront of making technology truly accessible for all.
Arjit Talapatra: Powering the Next Chapter of Affordable Innovation
At the helm of it all is Mr Arijeet Talapatra, CEO of itel India. Guided by the brand’s mission of “technology for all,” Mr Talapatra has propelled the company to an impressive base of over 11 crore users across smartphones, feature phones, smart gadgets, and televisions. In 2025, he is steering an ambitious AI-led product roadmap, strengthening local manufacturing, and forging strategic partnerships that bring technology even closer to everyday users.
In this exclusive interaction, we sat down with Mr Talapatra to discuss his vision for the brand, the evolving needs of Indian consumers, and itel’s long-term strategy for innovation, affordability, and deeper market penetration. A business management postgraduate with a strong background in FMCG and telecom, Mr Talapatra is widely recognised for his practical innovation mindset, market resilience, and commitment to advancing India’s electronics manufacturing value chain.
What follows is a candid conversation about the future of smartphones in India and how itel plans to stay ahead of the curve.
Q1. What is the core vision of itel that drives its product ecosystem today?
Inside itel’s Big Vision for Bharat
The Brand DNA of itel is DRA – Durability, Reliability and Affordability – we are a brand that is uniquely positioned to cater to the real Bharat – the people living in Tier 3, 4, and 5 cities. At the core of our products lie our 3P promise – Protection from Dust, Water and Drops. Durability is crucial, especially in the sub 10K segment as it caters to a segment that is price sensitive in nature. We want to ensure that durable and reliable technology is accessible to everyone. That guides every product choice and every expansion in our ecosystem.
Q2. How does itel balance innovation with affordability across a diverse product portfolio?
“Inside itel’s Vision for Bharat with Arjit Talapatra”
Innovation becomes power when it bridges affordability. Our innovations have always been rooted in practical utility. Manufacturing in India allows us to respond quickly to the needs of Indian consumers while maintaining high-quality standards. This local presence enables us to tailor products for Indian users and contribute meaningfully to the country’s technology growth and accessibility. We have always been a strong proponent of Make in India and have 3 manufacturing facilities in Noida – with a capacity of producing more than 24 million handsets each year. itel is a brand which is Made in India, Made for India and Made by Indians and this is a major contributor to our vison of democratizing technology for Bharat.
Q3. What are your thoughts about the budget smartphone category in India? How do you see it evolving over the years and what are your hopes for the category? And specifically, what role can itel play?
The budget segment (under 10K) is a very crucial segment as this attracts a significant proportion of users transitioning from 2G to 4G or even 5G. However, the rising prices of chips do present a challenge for us. Consumers expect better performance, better cameras and easy access to 5G, even at lower prices. itel is the only brand in India which offers a free screen replacement guarantee within 3 months – which we are able to do because of our utmost confidence in our product quality. We aim to help make their transition smooth, ensuring we are the preferred brand when the large base of FP users switch to smartphones.
Trust is earned by delivering products that perform reliably and provide long-term value. As per a CMR report of 2024, itel leads above its competitors with high scores in overall satisfaction (94%), brand loyalty (94%), and advocacy with NPS score of 24%. These high scores are a testament to the immense trust enjoyed by itel in India. itel has established a robust service network with over 1000 service centres throughout the country, ensuring unrestricted access to after-sales support for our customers regardless of where they are. These factors are a key enabler of our dominant 23% market share in the sub 10K segment.
Q4. The recently launched itel A90 Limited Edition has a real emphasis on durability features. How are durability, performance and sustainability significant in the budget smartphone category?
“Leading India’s Next Mobility Wave
Today, durability has become a must have feature for smartphones in India. Durability matters because many families rely on a single device for years. It must handle real world use and still perform well. Beyond the tech appeal, they offer something simpler, confidence that a phone will last long and not disappoint users. The itel A90 Limited Edition shows that toughness and responsible design can be delivered at an affordable price. Currently, we are the only brand in India to offer Military Grade durability in the sub 7K segment (itel A90 Limited Edition smartphone). Durability features like IP Ratings, Military Grade certifications have now started making their way in consumer conversations – a shift pioneered by itel in India.
Q5. itel has established itself in the Feature Phone category as well. But with smartphones and now AI getting the centre stage, how do you foresee the future of Feature Phones? Is there any scope for innovation there or can we expect a disruption in the category?
itel leads the FP market – No. 1 Brand of India consistently since the last few years – with a dominant 34% market share (Counterpoint, 2025). itel has maintained strong leadership in feature phones by having a clear understanding of what our customers value most – durability, reliability and ease of use. We have been the No. 1 Feature Phone brand of India consistently for the last few years now. Feature phones still have a user base of more than 220 million (Counterpoint).
We have a very strong focus on practical innovation – something that is useful for people in their daily lives. For instance – this year we launched the King Signal Feature Phone – an innovative, high-performance feature phone built for those who demand exceptional signal strength, with 62% stronger network connectivity and 510% longer call duration in low network areas. Feature phones will stay important for users who value simplicity and long battery life. We see this space evolving steadily rather than facing sudden disruption. Our experience in this category allows us to introduce meaningful upgrades without losing the simplicity people depend on. Not only smartphones, nowadays feature phones are built to withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Celsius to 70 degrees Celsius.
Q6. How is itel planning on leveraging the AI storm across the different product categories?
GenAI smartphone share of overall smartphone shipments is expected to reach 54% by 2028. AI is going to be a strategic driver of our product roadmap for 2025 and beyond, ensuring greater accessibility of AI, particularly in Tier 3, 4 and 5 cities. Recently, we launched Super Guru 4G – which became India’s 1st AI Enabled Feature Phone (Counterpoint). We started our journey of AI with the introduction of inbuilt itel AI Voice Assistant in itel’s smartphones. When we added AI to feature phones, our goal was to make its usage easier for everyone, massifying AI for Bharat. Until now, AI features were largely limited to premium smartphones category. However, we have ensured that access to AI features are not restricted to products or price range – truly democratizing technology for India.
Q7. Can you share with us if any recent consumer behaviour trends have influenced itel’s product strategy?
Durability has become very crucial for customers, especially in the budget smartphone segment. This change is especially visible in India, which has a significant base of price conscious consumers. Almost eight out of ten buyers now call durability a must-have feature for phones (CMR, 2024). That is a real shift in what people value. They are not asking for more features – they are asking for reliability. itel has been at the forefront of leading this change with its exciting range of durable, reliable and affordable products – be it feature phones, smartphones or smart gadgets.
Q8. Smart features and connectivity play a significant role in consumer electronics today. What is itel’s roadmap in finding opportunities in that sphere?
From smartphones to smart gadgets and home appliances, every product we create is built to work seamlessly, deliver reliability, and remain accessible to all. Our goal is to offer a meaningful experience across a diverse range of durable and affordable devices – ensuring that technology not only fits effortlessly into the daily lives of users but also adds lasting value for them.
Q9. What are some of the areas where you think itel must focus on in the next 3 to 5 years?
Looking forward, we aim to maintain our dominance in feature phones and smartphones in the sub 10K segment. A major focus will also be on strengthening our smart gadgets and accessories portfolio and taking it to the next level by introducing a series of innovative products that is going to redefine style, quality, and user experience. AI is going to play a pivotal importance in our product roadmap for the next few years. We want itel to become an ecosystem brand, a one-stop solution for feature phones, smartphones, smart gadgets, TV, solar products, personal grooming and home appliances for consumers in Tier 3, 4 and 5 cities that will make their everyday lives better.
Q10. Lastly, if you had to pick one upcoming itel product or technology that excites you the most, what would it be?
Many exciting launches are scheduled to be launched next year. I cannot reveal much about the products now, but I can assure you that consumers and tech enthusiasts will not be disappointed.
FAQs
Q1. When did itel enter the Indian market?
Answer. itel launched in India in April 2016 as part of Transsion Holdings, aiming to democratise technology for the masses.
Q2. What is itel India’s brand vision?
Answer. itel India’s vision is “technology for all”, reflecting its commitment to affordable, value-driven offerings that make life more convenient.
Q3. What products does itel India offer?
Answer. itel India’s portfolio includes smartphones, feature phones, smart TVs, soundbars, and smart gadgets, targeting aspirational consumers in Tier 3 and below markets.
Q4. What recognition has itel India received?
Answer, itel was honoured as the “Most Popular Smartphone Brand in Sub-7k Segment” and “Best Budget Smart TV Brand” at the Mobility Excellence Awards 2021.
Q5. What is itel India’s mission?
Answer. itel India’s mission is to provide budget-friendly consumer electronics and lifestyle products, ensuring affordability, accessibility, and innovation for all.
Oppo Pad 5 has appeared on the BIS certification website under model numbers OPD2503 and OPD2502.
It features a 12.1-inch LCD display, MediaTek Dimensity 9400+, up to 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, 10,420mAh battery with 67W fast charging and dual 8MP cameras.
Pricing and the exact launch date have not been confirmed yet.
Caption – Oppo Pad 5. (Image credit – OnePlus)
Oppo’s latest tablet, the Oppo Pad 5, may soon make its way to the Indian market. It has recently surfaced on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website, an important sign of an upcoming launch. While Oppo has not confirmed any India-related details yet, the certification strongly indicates that the tablet’s debut is around the corner. The device was launched in China earlier in October.
Oppo Pad 5 Listed on BIS with Two Model Numbers
Oppo Pad 5 received BIS certification. (Image credit – @Sudhanshu1414 on X)
An Oppo tablet believed to be the Oppo Pad 5 has appeared on the BIS database under model numbers OPD2503 and OPD2502. It was spotted by tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore @Sudhanshu1414 on X (formerly Twitter). Both models registered under certification number R-93038296 received approval earlier in November with OPD2503 certified on November 13 and OPD2502 on November 11.
The listing doesn’t disclose any specifications, but it confirms that Oppo is gearing up for the device’s India entry.
OPPO Pad 5 has recently cleared BIS certification, India launch expected soon.
– Dimensity 9400+
– LPDDR5X + UFS 3.1 or UFS 4.1
– 12.1″ LCD, 3000×2120, 144Hz
– 8MP Rear + 8MP Front
– 10,420mAh, 67W | USB 3.2 Gen 1
– Android 16, ColorOS 16 pic.twitter.com/Vi9EAVnYoH
The Oppo Pad 5 made its debut in China alongside the Find X9 series in October.
The Chinese version of the Oppo Pad 5 runs ColorOS 16 based on Android 16. It features a 12.1-inch LCD display with a 2,120×3,000-pixel resolution, up to 144Hz adaptive refresh rate and 900 nits peak brightness. Powering the tablet is the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset, paired with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB internal storage.
The tablet includes an 8-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera. It packs a sizeable 10,420mAh battery that supports 67W fast charging.
The tablet in China is priced at CNY 2,599 (approx. Rs. 32,000) for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant, while the highest configuration with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage is priced at CNY 3,599 (approx. Rs. 44,000). The Indian pricing may differ as Oppo’s devices usually retail slightly cheaper in China.
In China, the Oppo Pad 5 is available in multiple finishes, which are Galaxy Silver, Space Grey, Galaxy Silver Soft Light Edition, and Lucky Purple Soft Light Edition. The same colour options may arrive in India, though Oppo has yet to confirm details.
FAQs
Q1. What does the BIS certification listing reveal about the Oppo Pad 5?
Answer. The Oppo Pad 5 appeared on the BIS database under model numbers OPD2503 and OPD2502, strongly hinting at an upcoming India launch.
Q2. What are the key specifications of the Oppo Pad 5 (China model)?
Answer. It features a 12.1-inch LCD display (144Hz, 900 nits), MediaTek Dimensity 9400+, up to 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, dual 8MP cameras, and a 10,420mAh battery with 67W fast charging.
Q3. How is the Oppo Pad 5 priced and what finishes are available?
Answer. In China, it costs CNY 2,599 (₹32,000) to CNY 3,599 (₹44,000) and comes in Galaxy Silver, Space Grey, and Soft Light editions.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is expected to debut in July 2026.
The launch can coincide with the launch of Galaxy Watch 9, Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8.
The new model may feature a larger battery and share hardware components with the standard Watch 9.
First-generation Galaxy Watch Ultra in the picture for reference. (Image credit – Samsung)
Samsung’s next premium smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, may finally be nearing its launch. While many expected the successor to the Galaxy Watch Ultra to appear at Samsung’s July Galaxy Unpacked event alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7. But the Korean company instead introduced a new colour variant of the existing model. Now, a new leak sheds light on when the upgraded Ultra smartwatch may actually arrive.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 May Launch Next Summer
According to a report from GalaxyClub (Dutch), Samsung is actively developing the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. The wearable is reportedly scheduled to launch during the summer next year, alongside the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch 9.
If the timeline holds, Samsung could unveil the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 in July 2026, potentially sharing the stage with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8.
Internally, the smartwatch is said to be referred to as the Galaxy Watch 9 Ultra. However, the final retail name is expected to be Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. The report also claims that the new Ultra model may come with a larger battery and likely share several hardware components with the standard Galaxy Watch 9.
Samsung followed a similar pattern with the first-generation Galaxy Watch Ultra. It was internally labelled as the Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra before launching alongside the Galaxy Watch 7 series.
About First-generation Galaxy Watch Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra in Titanium Blue colour. (Image credit – Samsung)
The first-generation Galaxy Watch Ultra features a 1.5-inch circular Super AMOLED display housed inside a 47mm titanium case. It includes 2GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage and a dedicated Quick Button. The smartwatch packs a 590mAh battery with support for wireless fast charging.
For durability, the watch comes with an IP6X dust protection rating, 10ATM water resistance and MIL-STD 810H certification.
Earlier this year, Samsung expanded the Galaxy Watch Ultra lineup with a new Titanium Blue colour option. It joins the existing Titanium Silver, Titanium Grey, and Titanium White variants that have been available in India since the smartwatch’s original launch in 2024.
As for the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, more details are expected in the coming months as Samsung prepares its next-generation wearable lineup.
FAQs
Q1. When is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 expected to launch?
Answer. Reports suggest it may debut in July 2026, alongside the Galaxy Watch 9, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Flip 8.
Q2. What internal name is Samsung using for the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2?
Answer. The smartwatch is reportedly referred to as the Galaxy Watch 9 Ultra internally, though the retail name is expected to be Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.
Q3. What upgrades are rumoured for the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2?
Answer. It may feature a larger battery and share several hardware components with the standard Galaxy Watch 9.
Samsung has teamed up with Instamart to provide 10-minute doorstep delivery of Galaxy smartphones, tablets, wearables and accessories in India.
Select Samsung devices like Galaxy M36, M56, F06 and Galaxy Buds Core are already being delivered in cities such as Bangalore and Delhi.
Orders via Instamart include no-cost EMI, bank card discounts, coupons, and wallet offers.
Caption – Samsung Partners With Instamart to Offer 10-Minute Delivery.
Samsung has announced an Instamart Partnership to enable rapid doorstep delivery of its Galaxy lineup across India. The company confirmed recently that Samsung devices are now available on the quick-commerce platform alongside everyday essentials.
Regarding this, Director, MX Business, Samsung India, Rahul Pahwa said, “At Samsung, we are driven by meaningful innovations that are accessible to everyone. Our partnership with Instamart is another step towards strengthening our omnichannel strategy and making Galaxy experience available to users in a matter of minutes. We are bringing our most loved devices closer to the users.”
Also adding on the announcement, Instamart AVP Manender Kaushik said, “At Instamart, our goal has always been to anticipate and adapt to the changing lifestyles of our consumers. By partnering directly with Samsung, we’re ensuring that high-quality devices are now just a few taps and 10 minutes away, redefining what convenience in tech truly means.”
Samsung Galaxy Devices Now Available for Instant Delivery
Instamart to Offer 10-Minute Delivery of Samsung devices.
Through the partnership, Samsung will offer instant delivery of select Galaxy devices across major Indian cities using Instamart’s quick delivery network. Users can now search for eligible Galaxy smartphones, tablets, accessories, and wearables on Instamart and have them shipped to their doorstep almost immediately.
Samsung has not yet disclosed the full list of supported metro cities. Interestingly, Instamart is currently delivering select Samsung products including the Galaxy M36, Galaxy M56, Galaxy F06, Galaxy Buds Core and various accessories in places such as Bangalore and Delhi.
Samsung states that Galaxy products delivered via Instamart will reach customers within 10 minutes of placing an order. Instamart already offers rapid delivery for smartphones from Apple, Motorola, OnePlus and Redmi in certain Indian cities. The platform additionally delivers Asus laptops and accessories such as keyboards, chargers, and mice.
Discounts and Finance Options Available
Customers placing Samsung orders on Instamart will also be able to access several purchasing offers. These include no-cost EMI options and additional discounts through select bank cards. Coupon-based deals and mobile wallet offers will also apply to specific products.
With this, customers in metro cities will now be able to order Galaxy smartphones, tablets, wearables, and accessories directly through Instamart and have them delivered within minutes. Instamart already provides fast delivery services for Apple, OnePlus, Redmi, and Samsung products in select regions.
Meanwhile, competitors like Blinkit and Zepto already provide similar instant smartphone delivery services in multiple cities. Earlier this year, Blinkit also began offering speedy delivery of Lenskart’s powered spectacles.
FAQs
Q1. What is Samsung’s new partnership with Instamart about?
Answer. Samsung has partnered with Instamart to offer 10-minute doorstep delivery of Galaxy smartphones, tablets, wearables, and accessories in India.
Q2. Which Samsung devices are currently available for instant delivery?
Answer. Select models like Galaxy M36, Galaxy M56, Galaxy F06, Galaxy Buds Core, and accessories are already being delivered in cities such as Bangalore and Delhi.
Q3. What purchase benefits are offered when ordering Samsung devices via Instamart?
Answer. Customers can access no-cost EMI options, bank card discounts, coupon deals, and mobile wallet offers on eligible Galaxy products.
Motorola Edge 70 Special Edition debuts in Pantone’s 2026 Colour of the Year “Cloud Dancer” with Swarovski crystals on the rear panel.
The Cloud Dancer edition will launch in select global markets, though pricing and release dates remain unannounced.
It features identical specs to the regular Edge 70 including 6.67-inch pOLED display, Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, 12GB RAM, 512GB storage, triple 50MP cameras and 4,800mAh battery with 68W wired/15W wireless charging.
Motorola Edge 70 Special Edition Debuts in Pantone’s 2026 ‘Cloud Dancer’ Colour. (Image credit – Motorola)
Motorola has launched a new design-centric variant of the Motorola Edge 70, created in partnership with Pantone and Swarovski. The latest special edition introduces Cloud Dancer, Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026. With Swarovski crystals embedded into its back panel, this edition offers a more luxurious, stylised alternative to the standard model, while keeping specifications identical.
Motorola Edge 70 Cloud Dancer Special Edition – Design
The special edition arrives in Cloud Dancer (Pantone 11-4201), a soft white tone selected as Pantone’s upcoming Colour of the Year for 2026. Motorola continues its multi-year partnership with Pantone by bringing this shade to the Edge 70 lineup.
In addition, Motorola has teamed up with Swarovski to elevate the design further. The rear panel features Swarovski crystals, positioning the device within Motorola’s Brilliant Collection.
Motorola Edge 70 Cloud Dancer Special Edition – Price and Availability
The company confirms that the Motorola Edge 70 Cloud Dancer Special Edition with Swarovski accents will be available in select global markets.
However, pricing and launch dates have not yet been announced.
For context, the standard Motorola Edge 70 was first revealed in November 2025 in three Pantone-inspired colours, Gadget Grey, Lily Pad and Bronze Green. It is priced at GBP 700 (approximately Rs. 80,000) in the UK and starts at EUR 799 (roughly Rs. 81,000) in several European regions.
Key Features
The Cloud Dancer special edition maintains the same hardware as the regular model. It features a 6.67-inch pOLED display with a resolution of 1,220×2,712 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, peak brightness of 4,500 nits, and Gorilla Glass 7i protection.
Under the hood, it runs on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset paired with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. The device ships with Hello UI based on Android 16, and Motorola has committed to security updates until June 2031. Moto AI features are included as well.
The Edge 70’s camera system includes a 50-megapixel primary shooter with OIS, a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera with a 3-in-1 light sensor, and a 50-megapixel front camera. Connectivity options cover 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and USB Type-C. It also comes equipped with dual stereo speakers featuring Dolby Atmos, plus an in-display fingerprint reader and face unlock support.
The smartphone houses a 4,800mAh silicon-carbon battery that supports 68W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. It features an aircraft-grade aluminium frame and holds MIL-STD-810H durability certification, along with IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance. The handset measures 159×74×5.99mm and weighs 159 grams.
FAQs
Q1. What is unique about the Motorola Edge 70 Cloud Dancer Special Edition?
Answer. It debuts in Pantone’s 2026 Colour of the Year “Cloud Dancer” with Swarovski crystals embedded in the rear panel, offering a luxurious design upgrade.
Q2. Does Cloud Dancer Special Edition have different specifications from the regular Motorola Edge 70?
Answer. No, it retains the same hardware as the standard model, including Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, 12GB RAM, 512GB storage, and triple 50MP cameras.
Q3. What are the durability and battery features of Motorola Edge 70 Cloud Dancer Special Edition?
Answer. It comes with a 4,800mAh silicon carbon battery supporting 68W wired and 15W wireless charging, MIL-STD-810H certification, and IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance.
Q4. Where and when will the Motorola Edge 70 Cloud Dancer Special Edition be available?
Answer. Motorola has confirmed availability in select global markets, but pricing and launch dates have not yet been announced.
