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Honor Magic Vs2: Use of Aerospace-Grade Magnesium Alloy and 3D-Printed Titanium Sets it Apart

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Honor Magic Vs2

Highlights

  • Aerospace-grade magnesium alloy makes the Honor Magic Vs2 the lightest inward-folding smartphone on the market.
  • The 3D-printed titanium hinge offers durable and cost-effective design.
  • The device boasts impressive display specs with peak brightness reaching up to 2,500 nits.

As foldable smartphones become the next big frontier in mobile technology, Chinese tech giant Honor has taken a quantum leap forward with its Honor Magic Vs2.

Launched on October 12 in China, the phone sets a new standard with its aerospace-grade magnesium alloy chassis and a 3D-printed titanium hinge.

But what do these engineering marvels actually mean for the smartphone industry and for you as a consumer?

The Weight Game: Aerospace-Grade Magnesium Alloy

One of the first things you notice about the Honor Magic Vs2 is its weight—or rather, the lack of it.

At just 221 grams,Honor claims this is the lightest inward-folding smartphone on the market.

The secret? A chassis made from aerospace-grade magnesium alloy, a material known for its strength-to-weight ratio and commonly used in aircraft manufacturing.

This not only makes the device lighter but also significantly more durable than its competitors.

Light Meets Bright: Screen Details

Honor Magic Vs2
Honor Magic Vs2

When talking about the weight of the device one should also know that Honor has ensured to not skimp on the display side of things.

The device packs in 7.92-inch folding OLED panel and a 6.43-inch cover screen for ease of use.

The brightness levels—1,600 nits and 2,500 nits respectively are one of the highest in the smartphone realm, certainly for a foldable device.

The Hinge of the Future: 3D-Printed Titanium

In an age when titanium is becoming a trending topic across various industries, the Honor Magic Vs2 takes it a step further with a 3D-printed titanium hinge.

This approach not only trims the weight but also reduces production costs.

3D printing enables precise engineering, ensuring smoother, more reliable folding mechanisms that stand up to wear and tear.

Inside the Machine: Processing and Storage

The Honor Magic Vs2 is powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, offering two memory configurations—12GB/256GB and 16GB/512GB.

Despite not having the latest Gen 2 chipset, the phone promises impressive performance, further complemented by powerful camera lenses.

FAQs

What makes the Honor Magic Vs2 lighter than other foldable phones?

The phone uses an aerospace-grade magnesium alloy for its chassis, which gives it a high strength-to-weight ratio.

How does the 3D-printed titanium hinge benefit the phone?

3D printing allows for precise engineering and cost-saving in production, making the hinge both durable and efficient.

What are the display features of the Honor Magic Vs2?

It has a 7.92-inch inner OLED and a 6.43-inch outer OLED display, with peak brightness levels of 1,600 and 2,500 nits respectively.

What are the available memory configurations?

The phone offers two configurations: 12GB/256GB and 16GB/512GB, both powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor.

Also Read: Honor 90 5G Gears Up for Imminent India Launch: What We Know So Far

Also Read: Honor May Re-enter the Indian Market With The Honor 90: Expected Pricing, Features and More

Itel A05s Launched in India For Rs 6,499: Features, Specs, and Availability

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Itel A05s Launched in India

Highlights

  • 6.6-inch LCD display with HD+ resolution and a teardrop notch
  • Robust 4,000mAh battery with USB-C charging
  • Powered by Unisoc SC9863A octa-core processor, 2GB RAM, and 32GB storage
  • Available in four vibrant colours: Nebula Black, Meadow Green, Crystal Blue, and Glorious Orange

The entry-level smartphone segment in the Indian market has definitely seen a big uptick in recent months and itel has to take some credit for it.

The company has announced itel A05s in India for Rs 6,499 silently and the handset offers a range of basic yet solid features that could make it a solid consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

Itel A05s Price in India, Availability

For consumers looking to purchase it, the itel A05s is available on the company’s India website.

As mentioned above it is priced at Rs 6,499 and buyers can choose from colour options, such as Nebula Black, Meadow Green, Crystal Blue, and Glorious Orange.

Itel A05s: Key Specs

  • Display: 6.6-inch HD+ LCD
  • Battery: 4,000mAh, USB-C
  • Processor: Unisoc SC9863A
  • Memory: 2GB RAM, 32GB storage
  • Cameras: 5MP rear, 5MP front
  • OS: Android 13 Go
  • Connectivity: Dual SIM, 4G, Wi-Fi
  • Price: Rs 6,499
Itel A05s Launched in India
Itel A05s Launched in India

Itel A05s: Display and User Interface

In terms of the display metrics, there is a 6.6-inch LCD display which has a teardrop notch, that outputs HD+ resolution of 1612 x 720 pixels.

There’s a standard 60Hz refresh rate, common at this price point, complimented by a handy 120Hz touch sampling rate.

From these display metrics, the Itel A05s seems to aim for a reasonable balance between quality and performance.

As for the software needs, the handset runs on Android 13 Go edition, which has been optimised for budget smartphones and offers a pared-down, yet efficient user experience.

Itel A05s: Battery and Charging

As an entry-level offering, the device is also backed by a robust 4,000mAh battery, which, appears to support at least 10W charging.

Itel has opted for a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, which is a bit uncommon at this price range but a welcome change nonetheless.

According to Itel, this battery can provide up to 7.5 hours of talk time and up to 32 days in standby mode, figures that are impressive if accurate.

Itel A05s Launched in India
Itel A05s Design

Itel A05s : Performance and Camera

Under the hood you get a Unisoc SC9863A processor with a clock speed of 1.6GHz, the device is paired with 2GB of RAM and 32GB internal storage.

There is also a provision for expandable storage through a microSD card slot, providing some flexibility for users who need more space.

On the camera front, the device doesn’t promise anything groundbreaking, which is understandable given its price point.

Itel A05s : Performance
Itel A05s : Performance

There’s a single 5MP rear camera, accompanied by an LED flash and a fingerprint scanner for added security measures.
It also houses a 5MP front camera for basic selfie needs.

In terms of the connectivity options on board, the device features a standard set of options like dual SIM support, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.

There’s also a 3.5mm audio jack for audio purposes, which is gradually becoming a rarity in new smartphones.

Itel A05s Key Specs

GENERAL

Country of Origin India
Sim Type Dual Sim, GSM+GSM
Dual Sim Yes
Sim Size Nano+Nano SIM
Device Type Smartphone
Release Date 2023

DESIGN

Dimensions
Bezel less No
Colors Meadow Green, Nebula Black

DISPLAY

Type Color IPS Screen (16M Colors)
Touch Yes, 120 Hz Touch Sampling Rate
Size 6.6 inches, 720 x 1612 pixels, 60 Hz
PPI ~ 267 PPI
Notch Yes, Water Drop Notch

MEMORY

RAM 2 GB
Storage 32 GB
Card Slot Yes, upto 1 TB

CONNECTIVITY

GPRS Yes
EDGE Yes
3G Yes
4G Yes
VoLTE Yes, Dual Stand-By
Wifi Yes, with wifi-hotspot
Bluetooth Yes
USB Yes, USB-C
USB Features USB Tethering, USB on-the-go, USB Charging

EXTRA

GPS Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Yes, Rear
Face Unlock Yes
Sensors accelerometer, compass
3.5mm Headphone Jack Yes
Extra Features 5W Adapter Type C

CAMERA

Rear Camera 5 MP with autofocus
Video Recording 720p
Flash Yes, LED
Front Camera 5 MP
Front Video Recording 720p

TECHNICAL

OS Android v13
Chipset Unisoc SC9863A
CPU 1.6 GHz, Octa Core Processor
GPU IMG8322
Java No
Browser Yes

MULTIMEDIA

Email Yes
Music Yes
Video Yes
FM Radio No

BATTERY

Type Non-Removable Battery
Size 4000 mAh

FAQs

Ques) What is the price of the Itel A05s in India?

The Itel A05s is priced at Rs 6,499 and is available for purchase on Itel’s official website.

Ques) What is the battery capacity of the Itel A05s?

The device comes with a 4,000mAh battery, which according to the company can last up to 7.5 hours of talk time and 32 days on standby.

Ques) Does Itel A05s support expandable storage?

Yes, the phone offers expandable storage via a microSD card slot, providing more space for your apps and media.

Ques) What are the connectivity features on the Itel A05s?

The device supports dual SIM, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and also includes a 3.5mm audio jack.

Also Read: iTel S23 Amazon Availability Confirmed: Key Specifications, Price Range & India Launch timeline Revealed

Also Read: itel launches P40 with 6000 mAh Power-packed battery, 6.6-inch display & 18 W Fast Charging: Price, Specifications

Apple and Samsung Dominate Top 10 Best-Selling Smartphones of Q2 2023: Counterpoint Report

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Apple

Highlights

  • Apple’s iPhone 14 series claims the top four spots in the list of best-selling smartphones for Q2 2023.
  • Samsung’s Galaxy A15 leaps from 87th to 5th place, leading the South Korean brand’s entries.
  • Overall handset sales decline year-over-year, yet Apple and Samsung maintain market dominance.

What do you think of when you hear the top smartphone brands in this world? Odds are two names will pop up on your lips the moment you hear this phrase.

Apple and Samsung. Of course, there are other players from the Chinese market who are trying to make their mark but none of them come close to the sales figures of both the smartphone behemoths.

Counterpoints List of Top 10 Best Selling Smartphones for Q2 2023

List of Top 10 Best Selling Smartphones for Q2 2023
List of Top 10 Best Selling Smartphones for Q2 2023

As such, Counterpoint has revealed the list of the top 10 best-selling smartphones in the world for Q2 2023.

Surprise, Surprise, the list is completely dominated by devices from both OEMs.

The report states that while the overall sale of handsets has gone down as compared to the previous year, the two giants maintained their stronghold on the market.

Here’s a look at how the devices are slotted in Counterpoint’s list in terms of shipments sold globally for the second quarter.

Apple Takes Top Four Positions in Best Selling Smartphones List

iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iphone-14-pro-inside
iPhone13
iPhone 14 iPhone 14 Pro Max iphone-14-pro-inside iPhone13

The iPhone 14 is ranked at the top, ahead of the iPhone 14 Pro Max, 14 Pro, and iPhone 13.
Apple has occupied the top 4 slots for Q2 2023.

Just a year previously it had the first two positions with the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

As per the report, there has been a direct 4 percent growth in sales of the iPhone 14 when put up against the iPhone 13 at a similar point last year.

While the Cupertino-based smartphone giant may have occupied four spots in this year’s top-10 list, it had one more addition in Q2 2022.

The iPhone SE 2022 had dropped off completely this year allowing Samsung to secure one more position for this year’s ranking.

  • Other notable mentions in the report indicate huge gains by the iPhone 14 Pro in both Asia and Europe, a signal to Apple that other parts of the world are hopping on to its premium smartphone experience.
  • The iPhone 14 maintained its top position for two quarters straight while the iPhone 14 Pro Max and 14 Pro did the same for the 2nd and 3rd positions respectively. 
  • While the iPhone 15 series has just been announced, expect a few devices from the lineup to feature on the list in Q3 of this year.

Samsung Occupies the Rest of the Slots on the List

Samsung
Samsung S23 Ultra

Coming now to Samsung, which has six phones in this list and at the top is the budget Galaxy A15 which positioned itself 87th on this list last quarter and has made tremendous strides to settle at 5th position, making it Samsung’s highest-selling smartphone of Q2.

There are four more A series phones of note, further cementing the lineup as the South Korean giant’s most formidable one in terms of shipments.

As a matter of fact, Asia and Latin America accounted for 60 percent of all top 10 A-series phones sold this quarter.

  • However, it also underscores the buyer’s perspective on the devices all of which, save the Galaxy S23 Ultra, are mostly budget or mid-range offerings. 
  • The S23 Ultra has actually seen a decline in shipment figures, dropping from 6th to 8th on the list.
  •  Samsung’s flagship market is North America and Europe who account for 2/3rd of sales numbers for Samsung’s most premium smartphone.
Samsung Galaxy A14 4G
Samsung Galaxy A54
Samsung Galaxy A14 4G
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy A04e
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
Samsung Galaxy A14 4G Samsung Galaxy A54 Samsung Galaxy A14 4G Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Samsung Galaxy A04e Samsung Galaxy A34 5G

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Key Specifications

Display & Storage

RAM 8 GB
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Rear Camera 200 MP + 12 MP + 10 MP + 10 MP
Front Camera 12 MP
Battery 5000 mAh
Display 6.8 inches (17.27 cm)

General

Launch Date February 1, 2023 (Unofficial)
Operating System Android v13
Custom UI Samsung One UI

Performance

Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
CPU Octa core (3.2 GHz, Single core, Cortex X3 + 2.8 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A715 + 2 GHz, Tri core, Cortex A510)
Architecture 64 bit
Fabrication 4 nm
Graphics Adreno 740
RAM 8 GB
RAM Type LPDDR5X

Display

Display Type Dynamic AMOLED
Screen Size 6.8 inches (17.27 cm)
Resolution 1440 x 3088 pixels
Pixel Density 501 ppi
Screen to Body Ratio (calculated) 89.99 %
Screen Protection Corning Gorilla Glass, Glass Victus
Bezel-less display Yes with punch-hole display
Touch Screen Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen
Brightness 1750 nits
HDR 10 / HDR+ support Yes, HDR 10+
Refresh Rate 120 Hz

Design

Height 163.4 mm Compare Size 
Width 78.1 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm
Weight 223 grams
Build Material Back: Gorilla Glass
Colours Green
Waterproof Yes, Water resistant (up to 30 minutes in a depth of 1.5 meter), IP68
Ruggedness Dust proof

Camera

MAIN CAMERA
Camera Setup Quad
Resolution 200 MP f/1.7, Wide Angle, Primary Camera(23 mm focal length, 1.31″ sensor size, 0.6µm pixel size)12 MP f/2.2, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera(13 mm focal length, 2.55″ sensor size, 1.4µm pixel size)10 MP f/2.4, Telephoto Camera(70 mm focal length, 3.52″ sensor size, 1.12µm pixel size)10 MP f/4.9(230 mm focal length)
Sensor ISO-CELL
Autofocus Yes
OIS Yes
Flash Yes, LED Flash
Image Resolution 14500 x 13650 Pixels
Settings Exposure compensation, ISO control
Shooting Modes Continuous Shooting
High Dynamic Range mode (HDR)
Camera Features Digital Zoom
Auto Flash
Face detection
Touch to focus
Video Recording 7680×4320 @ 24 fps
3840×2160 @ 30 fps
1920×1080 @ 30 fps
FRONT CAMERA
Camera Setup Single
Resolution 12 MP f/2.2, Wide Angle, Primary Camera(25 mm focal length)
Autofocus Yes, Phase Detection autofocus
Video Recording 3840×2160 @ 30 fps
1920×1080 @ 30 fps

Battery

Capacity 5000 mAh
Type Li-Polymer
Removable No
Wireless Charging Yes
Quick Charging Yes, Fast, 45W
USB Type-C Yes

Storage

Internal Memory 256 GB
Expandable Memory No
Storage Type UFS 4.0
USB OTG Yes

Network & Connectivity

SIM Slot(s) Dual SIM, GSM+GSM
SIM Size SIM1: Nano, SIM2: Nano
Network Support 5G Not Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G
VoLTE Yes
SIM 1
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2600(band 38) / 2300(band 40) / 2500(band 41) / 1900(band 39)
FD-LTE 2100(band 1) / 1800(band 3) / 2600(band 7) / 900(band 8) / 700(band 28) / 1900(band 2) / 1700(band 4) / 850(band 5) / 850(band 18) / 850(band 19) / 1900(band 25) / 850(band 26)
3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
SIM 2
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2600(band 38) / 2300(band 40) / 2500(band 41) / 1900(band 39)
FD-LTE 2100(band 1) / 1800(band 3) / 2600(band 7) / 900(band 8) / 700(band 28) / 1900(band 2) / 1700(band 4) / 850(band 5) / 850(band 18) / 850(band 19) / 1900(band 25) / 850(band 26)
3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
Wi-Fi Yes, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) 5GHz
Wi-Fi Features Mobile Hotspot
Bluetooth Yes, v5.3
GPS Yes with A-GPS, Glonass
NFC Yes
USB Connectivity Mass storage device, USB charging

Multimedia

FM Radio No
Loudspeaker Yes
Audio Jack USB Type-C

Sensors

Fingerprint Sensor Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Position On-screen
Fingerprint Sensor Type Ultrasonic
Other Sensors Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Key Specifications

Key Specs

RAM 6 GB
Processor Apple A16 Bionic
Rear Camera 48 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP
Front Camera 12 MP
Battery 3200 mAh
Display 6.1 inches (15.49 cm)

General

Launch Date September 9, 2022 (Official)
Operating System iOS v16

Performance

Chipset Apple A16 Bionic
CPU Hexa Core (3.46 GHz, Dual core, Everest + 2.02 GHz, Quad core, Sawtooth)
Architecture 64 bit
Fabrication 4 nm
Graphics Apple GPU (Five-core graphics)
RAM 6 GB
RAM Type LPDDR5

Display

Display Type OLED
Screen Size 6.1 inches (15.49 cm)
Resolution 1179 x 2556 pixels
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9
Pixel Density 461 ppi

Best in Class 
Screen to Body Ratio (calculated) 86.42 %
Screen Protection Yes
Bezel-less display Yes with punch-hole display
Touch Screen Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch
Brightness 2000 nits
HDR 10 / HDR+ support Yes
Refresh Rate 120 Hz

Design

Height 147.5 mm Compare Size 
Width 71.5 mm
Thickness 7.8 mm
Weight 206 grams
Build Material Back: Gorilla Glass
Colours Gold, Silver, Space Black, Deep Purple
Waterproof Yes, Water resistant (up to 30 minutes in a depth of 6 meter), IP68
Ruggedness Dust proof

Camera

MAIN CAMERA
Camera Setup Triple
Resolution 48 MP f/1.78, Wide Angle, Primary Camera(24 mm focal length, 1.22µm pixel size)12 MP f/2.2, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera(13 mm focal length, 1.4µm pixel size)12 MP f/2.8, Telephoto Camera(77 mm focal length)
Sensor Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
Autofocus Yes, Phase Detection autofocus, Dual Pixel autofocus
OIS Yes
Flash Yes, LED Flash
Image Resolution 8000 x 6000 Pixels
Settings Exposure compensation, ISO control
Shooting Modes Continuous Shooting
High Dynamic Range mode (HDR)
Burst mode
Camera Features 9 x Digital Zoom
Auto Flash
Face detection
Touch to focus
Video Recording 3840×2160 @ 24 fps
1920×1080 @ 30 fps
FRONT CAMERA
Camera Setup Single
Resolution 12 MP f/1.9, Wide Angle, Primary Camera(23 mm focal length, 3.6″ sensor size)
Autofocus Yes
Flash Yes, Retina Flash
Video Recording 3840×2160 @ 24 fps
1920×1080 @ 30 fps

Battery

Capacity 3200 mAh
Type Li-ion
Removable No
Wireless Charging Yes
Quick Charging Yes, Fast, 20W: 50 % in 30 minutes
USB Type-C No

 

Storage

Internal Memory 128 GB

Best in Class 
Expandable Memory No
Storage Type NVMe

 

Network & Connectivity

SIM Slot(s) Dual SIM, GSM+GSM
SIM Size SIM1: Nano, SIM2: eSIM
Network Support 5G Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G
VoLTE Yes
SIM 1
5G Bands:
FDD N1 / N2 / N3 / N5 / N7 / N8 / N20 / N25 / N28 / N30
TDD N38 / N40 / N77 / N78 / N79
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2600(band 38) / 2300(band 40) / 2500(band 41) / 2100(band 34) / 1900(band 39) / 3500(band 42)
FD-LTE 2100(band 1) / 1800(band 3) / 2600(band 7) / 900(band 8) / 700(band 28) / 1900(band 2) / 1700(band 4) / 850(band 5) / 700(band 13) / 700(band 17) / 850(band 18) / 850(band 19) / 800(band 20) / 1900(band 25) / 850(band 26) / 2300(band 30)
3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
SIM 2
5G Bands:
FDD N1 / N2 / N3 / N5 / N7 / N8 / N12 / N20 / N25 / N28
TDD N38 / N40 / N77 / N78 / N79
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2600(band 38) / 2300(band 40) / 2500(band 41) / 2100(band 34) / 1900(band 39) / 3500(band 42)
FD-LTE 2100(band 1) / 1800(band 3) / 2600(band 7) / 900(band 8) / 700(band 28) / 1900(band 2) / 1700(band 4) / 850(band 5) / 700(band 13) / 700(band 17) / 850(band 18) / 850(band 19) / 800(band 20) / 1900(band 25) / 850(band 26) / 2300(band 30)
3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
Wi-Fi Yes, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), MIMO
Wi-Fi Features Mobile Hotspot
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Bluetooth Yes, v5.3
GPS Yes with A-GPS, Glonass
NFC Yes
USB Connectivity Mass storage device, USB charging

Multimedia

Loudspeaker Yes
Audio Jack Lightning
Audio Features Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus

 

Sensors

Fingerprint Sensor No
Other Sensors Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope

iPhone 14 Key Specifications

Key Specs 

RAM 6 GB
Processor Apple A15 Bionic
Rear Camera 12 MP + 12 MP
Front Camera 12 MP
Battery 3279 mAh
Display 6.1 inches (15.49 cm)

General

Launch Date September 9, 2022 (Official)
Operating System iOS v16

Performance

Chipset Apple A15 Bionic
CPU Hexa Core (3.23 GHz, Dual core, Avalanche + 1.82 GHz, Quad core, Blizzard)
Architecture 64 bit
Fabrication 5 nm
Graphics Apple GPU (Five-core graphics)
RAM 6 GB

Best in Class
RAM Type LPDDR4X

Display

Display Type OLED
Screen Size 6.1 inches (15.49 cm)
Resolution 1170 x 2532 pixels
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9
Pixel Density 457 ppi

Best in Class
Screen to Body Ratio (calculated) 86.89 %
Screen Protection Yes
Bezel-less display Yes with notch
Touch Screen Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch
Brightness 1200 nits
HDR 10 / HDR+ support Yes
Refresh Rate 60 Hz

Design 

Height 146.7 mm Compare Size 
Width 71.5 mm
Thickness 7.8 mm

Very Good
Weight 172 grams

Average
Build Material Back: Gorilla Glass
Colours Blue, Purple, Midnight, Starlight, Product Red
Waterproof Yes, Water resistant (up to 30 minutes in a depth of 6 meter)
Ruggedness Dust proof

Camera

MAIN CAMERA
Camera Setup Dual
Resolution 12 MP f/1.5, Wide Angle, Primary Camera(26 mm focal length)12 MP f/2.4, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera(13 mm focal length)
Sensor Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
Autofocus Yes, Phase Detection autofocus, Dual Pixel autofocus
OIS Yes
Flash Yes, LED Flash
Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 Pixels
Settings Exposure compensation, ISO control
Shooting Modes Continuous Shooting
High Dynamic Range mode (HDR)
Burst mode
Camera Features 5 x Digital Zoom
2 x Optical Zoom
Auto Flash
Face detection
Touch to focus
Video Recording 3840×2160 @ 24 fps
1920×1080 @ 30 fps
FRONT CAMERA
Camera Setup Single
Resolution 12 MP f/1.9, Wide Angle, Primary Camera(23 mm focal length, 3.6″ sensor size)
Autofocus Yes
Flash Yes, Retina Flash
Video Recording 3840×2160 @ 24 fps
1920×1080 @ 30 fps

Battery

Capacity 3279 mAh
Type Li-ion
Removable No
Wireless Charging Yes
Quick Charging Yes, Fast, 20W: 50 % in 30 minutes
USB Type-C No

Storage 

Internal Memory 128 GB
Expandable Memory No
Storage Type NVMe

Network & Connectivity 

SIM Slot(s) Dual SIM, GSM+GSM
SIM Size SIM1: Nano, SIM2: eSIM
Network Support 5G Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G
VoLTE Yes
SIM 1
5G Bands:
FDD N1 / N2 / N3 / N5 / N7 / N8 / N20 / N25 / N26 / N28 / N30
TDD N38 / N40 / N77 / N78 / N79
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2600(band 38) / 2300(band 40) / 2500(band 41) / 2100(band 34) / 1900(band 39) / 3500(band 42)
FD-LTE 2100(band 1) / 1800(band 3) / 2600(band 7) / 900(band 8) / 700(band 28) / 1900(band 2) / 1700(band 4) / 850(band 5) / 700(band 13) / 700(band 17) / 850(band 18) / 850(band 19) / 800(band 20) / 1900(band 25) / 850(band 26) / 2300(band 30)
3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
SIM 2
5G Bands:
FDD N1 / N2 / N3 / N5 / N7 / N8 / N12 / N20 / N25
TDD N38 / N40 / N77 / N78 / N79
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2600(band 38) / 2300(band 40) / 2500(band 41) / 2100(band 34) / 1900(band 39) / 3500(band 42)
FD-LTE 2100(band 1) / 1800(band 3) / 2600(band 7) / 900(band 8) / 700(band 28) / 1900(band 2) / 1700(band 4) / 850(band 5) / 700(band 13) / 700(band 17) / 850(band 18) / 850(band 19) / 800(band 20) / 1900(band 25) / 850(band 26) / 2300(band 30)
3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
Wi-Fi Yes, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), MIMO
Wi-Fi Features Mobile Hotspot
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Bluetooth Yes, v5.3
GPS Yes with A-GPS, Glonass
NFC Yes
USB Connectivity Mass storage device, USB charging

Multimedia

FM Radio No
Loudspeaker Yes
Audio Jack Lightning
Audio Features Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus

Sensors

Fingerprint Sensor No
Other Sensors Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope

IPHONE 14 PRO MAX KEY SPECIFICATIONS

Key Specs

RAM 6 GB
Processor Apple A16 Bionic
Rear Camera 48 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP
Front Camera 12 MP
Battery 4323 mAh
Display 6.7 inches (17.02 cm)

General

Launch Date September 9, 2022 (Official)
Operating System iOS v16

Performance

Chipset Apple A16 Bionic
CPU Hexa Core (3.46 GHz, Dual core, Everest + 2.02 GHz, Quad core, Sawtooth)
Architecture 64 bit
Fabrication 4 nm
Graphics Apple GPU (Five-core graphics)
RAM 6 GB
RAM Type LPDDR5

Display

Display Type OLED
Screen Size 6.7 inches (17.02 cm)
Resolution 1290 x 2796 pixels
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9
Pixel Density 460 ppi
Screen to Body Ratio (calculated) 88.17 %
Screen Protection Yes
Bezel-less display Yes with punch-hole display
Touch Screen Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch
Brightness 2000 nits
HDR 10 / HDR+ support Yes
Refresh Rate 120 Hz

Design

Height 160.7 mm Compare Size 
Width 77.6 mm
Thickness 7.8 mm
Weight 240 grams
Build Material Back: Gorilla Glass
Colours Gold, Silver, Space Black, Deep Purple
Waterproof Yes, Water resistant (up to 30 minutes in a depth of 6 meter), IP68
Ruggedness Dust proof

Camera

MAIN CAMERA
Camera Setup Triple
Resolution 48 MP f/1.78, Wide Angle, Primary Camera(24 mm focal length, 1.22µm pixel size)12 MP f/2.2, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera(13 mm focal length, 1.4µm pixel size)12 MP f/2.8, Telephoto Camera(77 mm focal length)
Sensor Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
Autofocus Yes, Phase Detection autofocus, Dual Pixel autofocus
OIS Yes
Flash Yes, LED Flash
Image Resolution 8000 x 6000 Pixels
Settings Exposure compensation, ISO control
Shooting Modes Continuous Shooting
High Dynamic Range mode (HDR)
Burst mode
Camera Features 9 x Digital Zoom
Auto Flash
Face detection
Touch to focus
Video Recording 3840×2160 @ 24 fps
1920×1080 @ 30 fps
FRONT CAMERA
Camera Setup Single
Resolution 12 MP f/1.9, Wide Angle, Primary Camera(23 mm focal length, 3.6″ sensor size)
Autofocus Yes
Flash Yes, Retina Flash
Video Recording 3840×2160 @ 24 fps
1920×1080 @ 30 fps

Battery

Capacity 4323 mAh
Type Li-ion
Removable No
Wireless Charging Yes
Quick Charging Yes, Fast, 20W: 50 % in 30 minutes
USB Type-C No

Storage

Internal Memory 128 GB
Expandable Memory No
Storage Type NVMe

Network & Connectivity

SIM Slot(s) Dual SIM, GSM+GSM
SIM Size SIM1: Nano, SIM2: eSIM
Network Support 5G Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G
VoLTE Yes
SIM 1
5G Bands:
FDD N1 / N2 / N3 / N5 / N7 / N8 / N20 / N25 / N26 / N28 / N30
TDD N38 / N40 / N77 / N78 / N79
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2600(band 38) / 2300(band 40) / 2500(band 41) / 2100(band 34) / 1900(band 39) / 3500(band 42)
FD-LTE 2100(band 1) / 1800(band 3) / 2600(band 7) / 900(band 8) / 700(band 28) / 1900(band 2) / 1700(band 4) / 850(band 5) / 700(band 13) / 700(band 17) / 850(band 18) / 850(band 19) / 800(band 20) / 1900(band 25) / 850(band 26) / 2300(band 30)
3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
SIM 2
5G Bands:
FDD N1 / N2 / N3 / N5 / N7 / N8 / N12 / N20 / N25 / N28
TDD N38 / N40 / N77 / N78 / N79
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2600(band 38) / 2300(band 40) / 2500(band 41) / 2100(band 34) / 1900(band 39) / 3500(band 42)
FD-LTE 2100(band 1) / 1800(band 3) / 2600(band 7) / 900(band 8) / 700(band 28) / 1900(band 2) / 1700(band 4) / 850(band 5) / 700(band 13) / 700(band 17) / 850(band 18) / 850(band 19) / 800(band 20) / 1900(band 25) / 850(band 26) / 2300(band 30)
3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
Wi-Fi Yes, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), MIMO
Wi-Fi Features Mobile Hotspot
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Bluetooth Yes, v5.3
GPS Yes with A-GPS, Glonass
NFC Yes
USB Connectivity Mass storage device, USB charging

Multimedia

Loudspeaker Yes
Audio Jack Lightning
Audio Features Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus

Sensors

Fingerprint Sensor No
Other Sensors Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope

FAQs

Who tops the list of best-selling smartphones for Q2 2023?

Apple’s iPhone 14 is the best-selling smartphone, according to Counterpoint’s Q2 2023 report.

How many Samsung smartphones are in the top 10 list?

Samsung has six smartphones on the list, with Galaxy A15 being the highest-ranking at the 5th position.

Did any other brands make it to the list?

No, the list is completely dominated by Apple and Samsung devices, according to the Counterpoint report.

Is the smartphone market growing?

Overall handset sales have declined compared to last year, but Apple and Samsung have maintained their market stronghold.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2023 Today: How to watch livestream in India, New Expected Launches with Expected Prices & Specifications

Also Read: Stalkers can track you using Apple AirTags; here’s how to prevent yourself

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Introduced in New Yellow Variant Alongside Festive Offers in India

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

Highlights

  • Samsung releases new Yellow colour for Galaxy Z Flip5 in India, expanding existing palette.
  • Limited-period festive offers include Rs 14,000 total benefits and low-cost EMI options.
  • Available in two configurations, the Galaxy Z Flip5 is priced between Rs 99,999 and Rs 109,999.

Samsung has announced that it is introducing a new colour variant for its fifth-generation foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Flip5.

As part of the upcoming festive season, this new shade of Yellow will be part of the existing lineup of Mint, Graphite, Cream, and Lavender colour options already on the table.

With this new variant, Samsung is likely aiming to add several more choices to consumers seeking a pocketable, foldable device that aligns with their personal style.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5: Pricing and Availability

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5: Pricing
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5: Pricing

The Galaxy Z Flip5 is available in two configurations: 8+256 GB and 8+512 GB, which are priced at Rs 99,999 and Rs 1,09,999 respectively.

As for purchasing the Galaxy Flip5 will be available on Samsung’s official website alongside select retail outlets.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5: Offers

As part of its festive campaign, Samsung is rolling out a series of limited-period offers on all variants of the Galaxy Z Flip5.

Customers can avail themselves of a bank cashback and an upgrade bonus, each amounting to Rs 7,000, thereby gaining total benefits of Rs 14,000.

Alternatively, the device can be acquired on a 30-month low-cost EMI of Rs 3,379, facilitated by major financiers like Bajaj Finance Ltd. and HDFC.

For those who opt out of the EMI plans, an upfront upgrade benefit of Rs 14,000 is available on new purchases.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5: Features

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5: Features
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5: Features

The Galaxy Z Flip5 is engineered for a unique foldable experience.
There is an enlarged outer screen, which is 3.78 times larger than before, extending the device’s functionality, while the inner folding screen remains the same as last year

The smartphone comes with a versatile camera setup, featuring FlexCam that allows for hands-free photography from creative angles.

Dual Preview allows both the subject and the photographer to view the frame in real-time through the Flex Window, facilitating better shots.

Another significant update is in the camera’s AI solutions.

The Nightography feature has been improved for low-light conditions, using an AI-powered image signal processing (ISP) algorithm that enhances details and colour tones while minimizing visual noise.
The digital zoom now offers up to 10X clarity.

The Galaxy Z Flip5 incorporates a range of durability features, including IPX8 support, Armor Aluminum frames, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the Flex Window and back cover.

Additionally, a newly integrated hinge module has been incorporated with a dual rail structure to diffuse external impacts.

FAQs

What is the new colour variant for the Galaxy Z Flip5?

Samsung has introduced a new Yellow variant of the Galaxy Z Flip5 in India.

What are the festive offers on the Galaxy Z Flip5?

Customers can get a bank cashback and an upgrade bonus of Rs 7,000 each, totaling INR 14,000 in benefits.

What are the camera features of the Galaxy Z Flip5?

The phone features AI-powered Nightography and FlexCam that allows for hands-free creative photography.

How much does the Galaxy Z Flip5 cost in India?

The device is available in two configurations priced at Rs 99,999 and Rs 109,999.

Also Read: Samsung’s Foldable Smartphone Journey: From Pioneers to Powerhouses

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2023 Today: How to watch livestream in India, New Expected Launches with Expected Prices & Specifications

OnePlus 12 To Reportedly See A Price Hike Compared To Previous Iteration, Says Tipster

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OnePlus 12

Highlights

  • OnePlus 12 rumoured to feature a 6.82-inch LTPO display and enhanced camera setup.
  • Anticipated price hike follows industry trend of more expensive flagships.
  • OnePlus entering the foldable market with OnePlus Open, targeting the premium segment.
  • OnePlus 12 is likely to be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, adding to the cost.

The OnePlus 12 can easily be considered one of the most hyped phones as part of the upcoming smartphone launches.

However, as a brand OnePlus seems to have mostly abandoned its enthusiast roots by diversifying into many market segments.

Although it does reserve its best for its signature number series, over the past year the company has hiked the price of its flagship offerings which has cut down some of OnePlus’ competitive edge. 

OnePlus 12: Upgraded Features, Higher Price

OnePlus 12: Upgraded Features, Higher Price
OnePlus 12: Higher Price

Compounding on this, recent leaks and reports have pointed out a potential increase in the pricing of the OnePlus 12.

This shouldn’t come entirely as a surprise since the device is believed to be housing much-improved internals that will most certainly come at a cost that the consumer will have to bear.

Manufacturers like Samsung and Google have also hiked the prices of their recent flagship offerings, so OnePlus doing the same is understandable.

However, this extra premium on the price might dissuade potential OnePlus loyalists from considering the device.

The OnePlus 11 is priced currently at Rs 56,999 for the entry-level 8GB RAM and 128GB storage version.

There is also the 16GB + 256GB variant which will cost you Rs 5,000 more.
The OnePlus 12 is touted to sport a BOE pane, a bigger battery, and upgraded cameras compared to its predecessor.

And of course, there will be the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC running things, which might add a few more bucks to the phone’s cost of goods.

OnePlus 12: Upgraded Features, Higher Price
OnePlus 12: Upgraded Features

Based on previous speculation, the upcoming OnePlus 12 is expected to feature a 6.82-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate using LTPO technology, a slight increase over the OnePlus 11’s 6.7-inch display.

The new model will likely contain a battery with a capacity of 6.7 inches. 5,400mAh, 400mAh more than the previous version.

Additionally, the smartphone is rumoured to have upgraded camera capabilities, including a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. 

All-in-all, users who have set their minds to getting the upcoming OnePlus 12, must be prepared for a slightly extra dig on their wallets.

OnePlus’ collaboration with OPPO also means that the once clean, stock Android-like interface of OxygenOS is going to be replaced with ColorOS.

OnePlus Enters Foldable Market

OnePlus Open
OnePlus Open: Camera

In other OnePlus news, the company is all set to announce its entry into the foldable segment with the launch of the OnePlus Open set for 20th October.

Initial estimates put the device’s potential price at above Rs 1,20,000, further underscoring the company’s move towards capturing the burgeoning premium foldable price bracket.

FAQs

Ques) What are the new features in OnePlus 12?

The OnePlus 12 is rumoured to have a 6.82-inch LTPO screen, an improved camera setup, and a 5,400mAh battery.

Ques) Why is OnePlus 12 expected to be more expensive?

Improved internals and features, as well as following the industry trend, are likely contributing to a price increase.

Ques) What is OnePlus Open?

OnePlus Open is the company’s first entry into the foldable smartphone market, targeting the premium price bracket.

Ques) What changes can we expect in OnePlus software?

OnePlus’ UI OxygenOS is expected to be replaced by ColorOS due to the collaboration with OPPO.

Also Read: OnePlus’ first Premium foldable Phone, OnePlus Open, launching globally on August 29th

Also Read: OnePlus Open Leaks Suggest Longevity of 10 Years with 100 Folds Daily

Apple AirTags Termed Dangerous, Company to Face Legal Scrutiny Over Stalking and Theft Concerns

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Apple AirTags

Highlights

  • Apple’s AirTag, launched in 2021, faces class-action lawsuit involving 38 stalking victims.
  • Initial litigant Lauren Hughes claims her ex used an AirTag to track her, hiding it in her car’s wheel.
  • York Regional Police reported use of AirTags in orchestrating high-end car thefts in 2021.

Apple’s AirTag has been mired in some controversy or the other since its inception back in 2021.

Using UWB (ultra-wide band) technology the AirTags could be placed in luggage or anywhere else for that matter to give real-time location updates on Apple’s extensive Find My network.

Pretty soon people realised the company’s ingenious contraption could be used for a more nefarious purposes like tracking people and stalking their movements.

Random iPhone users started getting pop-ups of unknown AirTags in their vicinity.
Trust humanity to exploit any technological innovations for their own unlawful endeavours.

However, Apple immediately put a stop to that with an update to the Find My network, alerting users immediately if an AirTag, unbeknownst to them, is around.

Apple Sued Over AirTags Misuse

Apple Sued Over AirTags Misuse
Apple Sued Over AirTags Misuse

Even so, many users falling prey to stalking via AirTags have decided to take action against Apple.

This month, 38 individuals who allege they were tracked via AirTags have joined an existing class-action lawsuit against Apple.
The suit was initially filed in a California court last December.

The claim is that AirTags are “dangerous” and a useful tool for people who wish to stalk or follow a potential victim.

As per a Business Insider report, Lauren Hughes, a woman from Texas and one of the initial litigants, claims her former partner utilized an AirTag to monitor her movements.

He reportedly concealed the device in her car’s wheel, using it to pinpoint her whereabouts such as her current residence and the hotel where she was staying.

The $29 pricepoint for the device makes it easy for people with bad intentions to purchase them.

The AirTag’s tracking capabilities have also led to some heinous crimes like LaPrecia Sanders, whose son was mauled down and killed by his ex-girlfriend after she tracked him by planting an AirTag on him.

In 2021, York Regional Police reported that auto thieves were employing AirTags to orchestrate car heists.

The criminals were planting these tracking devices in luxury cars to monitor their positions and subsequently make off with them.

Apple is slated to submit a request for dismissal of the class-action lawsuit by October 27th.

On the same date, the tech giant is also expected to provide the court with a reply to the amended allegations brought forth by the plaintiff.

FAQs

Ques) What is the class-action lawsuit against Apple’s AirTag about?

The lawsuit involves 38 individuals who claim they were stalked using Apple’s AirTag technology.

Ques) How did criminals misuse AirTags?

Instances have been reported of AirTags being used for stalking and for planning car thefts by tracking high-end vehicles.

Ques) What was Apple’s response?

Apple updated its Find My network to alert users if an unknown AirTag is nearby, but they are also slated to respond to the lawsuit by October 27th.

Ques) What technology does AirTag use?

Apple’s AirTag uses UWB (ultra-wide band) technology to provide real-time location tracking.

Also Read: Stalkers can track you using Apple AirTags; here’s how to prevent yourself

Samsung Galaxy S24 Series and Next-Gen Features Expected in January 2024

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Samsung Galaxy S24 Series
Samsung Galaxy S24 Series

Highlights

  • Early launch expected in January 2024, ahead of Samsung’s usual February release.
  • Region-specific chipset policy to be resumed; Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Exynos 2400 options available.
  • Galaxy S24 series rumoured to feature up to 2400-nit display brightness and advanced camera systems.

Samsung’s usual launch of its flagship lineup Galaxy S series has generally been in February of each year.

The company almost always debuts the latest generation of flagship Android processing capabilities along with other improvements in the overall smartphone experience.

This time around fans may just get a glimpse of Samsung’s offerings a bit earlier.
As per reports flowing out of South Korea, the Galaxy S24 lineup will likely see the day of light in January 2024.

This aligns with recent news that Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is going to start shipping to other OEMs by the start of November this year and Samsung does not want to be too far off the curb given that it will be the one making the said chipset.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Event in January 2024

The Samsung Unpacked event, where the company usually displays its flagship smartphone and consumer electronic offerings.

It has been reported as well that Samsung is switching back to its region-specific chipset policy wherein some areas of the world will get the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 while others will get the in-house Exynos 2400.

Of course, the company is set to announce three devices, as per usual.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra will be the top-tier offering and the S24 and S24 Plus will take up the rear.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Event in January 2024
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Event in January 2024

Galaxy S24 Series: Expected Features

As per some other rumours, Samsung might also make strides to incorporate Titanium build on its flagship phone, something that Apple has already done.

However, as reported by many people, the iPhone 15 Pro’s structural integrity has not been the best due to Titanium’s high tensile strength as compared to Stainless Steel on the previous monikers, which has led the Ceramic Shield glass to break more easily.

It will be interesting to see if Samsung brings forward the kind of structural rigidity that negates any durability-related issues.

Another feature jumping ship from iPhones to Galaxy S series will be two-way satellite communication for users stranded in the wilderness with no cellular reception.

Finally, some other expected features on the devices include a QHD+ AMOLED display with a 1440p resolution for the S24 Plus and S24 Ultra devices.

The base Galaxy S24 is basically going to retain the FHD+ screen although the 120Hz refresh rate will be present as always

Rumours also suggest that all devices in the Galaxy S24 series could offer a peak screen brightness of 2400 nits, a notable jump from the 1750 nits in the preceding Galaxy S23 lineup.

As for the camera specifications, both the Galaxy S24 and S24+ could be equipped with a 50MP primary shooter, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom capabilities.
The selfie camera for these models is rumoured to be 12MP.

FAQs

When is the Samsung Galaxy S24 series expected to launch?

The Galaxy S24 series is expected to launch in January 2024, ahead of Samsung’s traditional February unveiling.

What chipsets will the Galaxy S24 series feature?

Samsung is reportedly resuming its region-specific chipset policy, with some areas getting the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and others getting the in-house Exynos 2400.

Will the new Galaxy S24 models include advanced camera features?

Yes, the S24 and S24+ are rumoured to feature a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.

What other notable features are expected?

Rumours suggest a Titanium build, two-way satellite communication, and a peak screen brightness of 2400 nits.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Camera Comes with Zoom Tech Feature

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 5G launch timeline tipped, said to come with Exynos 2200 & Triple-Camera Setup

Google Pixel 8 Series and Android 14 Bring Lossless Audio to the Mainstream

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Google Pixel 8 Series

Highlights

  • Google’s Pixel 8 series to offer lossless audio, setting a new standard in the smartphone industry.
  • Android 14 update adds support for lossless audio formats, widening accessibility.
  • Streaming services like Spotify and Amazon Music will need to adopt Android 14’s new API for lossless audio compatibility.

Rejoice, audiophiles, for thy saviour has reportedly cometh.
Or at least that’s what Dave Burke, Google’s vice president of engineering will have you believe.

Lossless audio has mostly been privy to Apple Music in the streaming industry but very few phones have the capability to transmit it wirelessly, let alone in a wired setup.

Google is taking steps that will ensure that the Pixel 8 series becomes one of these devices that can bring music to your ears in a way that it is meant to be.

But it won’t just be them, although both handsets in the lineup will be getting it first.
It would appear that the Android 14 update has added support for lossless audio formats over USB-wired headsets.

The inner workings of the feature are quite simple and should be implemented without any additional caveats.

Rather than having your tunes modified and squeezed, they are transmitted in their original, unaltered quality from your mobile device straight to your earphones.

This allows you to experience the full richness of each instrument, the nuances in the vocals, and even the most delicate details with unmatched sharpness.

Google Pixel 8 Series
New API For Lossless Audio

App developers like Spotify, Amazon Music, and more will have to adopt the new API on Android 14 for making lossless audio work.

Little by little, we are sure to see streaming giants adopt this new format so that the rare breed of audiophiles might find some joy when listening to their favourite music.

In the realm of wireless transmission, the fundamentals don’t change.

Provided you have high-quality audio equipment compatible with platforms offering lossless audio, you can experience this elevated sound quality seamlessly.

Lossless has had its fair share of hurdles, mainly with issues pertaining to pricing and the lack of availability across most platforms.

The Android 14 API should look to at least alleviate some of these issues.
While the Pixel 8 series will most certainly be the first to adopt this new change, other OEMs are likely to follow suit.

However, it would be wise to wait and see how the change goes before running over to purchase a pair of highly expensive USB-C headphones.

FAQs

What is lossless audio and why is it important?

Lossless audio offers sound in its purest form, without any compression or alteration, leading to a high-quality auditory experience.

Which devices will support lossless audio first?

Google’s Pixel 8 series will be the first smartphones to offer lossless audio, followed by other Android devices compatible with Android 14.

Do streaming services support this feature?

Streaming services will need to adopt Android 14’s new API to offer lossless audio. This adaptation is anticipated to happen gradually.

Are wireless headphones compatible with lossless audio on Android 14?

Wireless transmission remains fundamentally the same; however, users need high-quality audio equipment compatible with platforms offering lossless audio to experience the elevated sound quality.

Also Read: Google Pixel 8 Pro Features, design and colour variants confirmed by official website ahead of October Launch; Check the 360 degree preview

Also Read: Google Pixel 8 Pro hands-on images leak: Confirm major design changes; may get a big battery boost over Pixel 7

iPad Lineup Refresh: Apple Reportedly Planning New Chipsets and Fixes For At Least Three iPads in 2023

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iPad Lineup Refresh

Highlights

  • Apple to refresh baseline iPad with new Apple Silicone M1 chipset.
  • iPad Air set for a speed boost with M2 chipset, surpassing its 6th-gen models.
  • Speculated iPad Mini 7 to eliminate jelly-scrolling issue and upgrade to A16 Bionic chipset.
  • Next-generation OLED iPad Pro models delayed until latter half of 2024.

iPads have become an integral part of the Apple ecosystem in recent times with the company now pushing out yearly upgrades to its tablet series.

The Pro moniker is the very high end of products offered by Apple and is consequently priced at the higher end as well.

There are also other lineups in Apple’s stable like the basic iPad, iPad Air, and the iPad Mini.

Now reports are surfacing about a refresh to at least three of the existing iPad lineups on October 17.

New iPads To Get A Spec Bump

Of course, all these reports should of course be taken with a grain of salt and that being said, it appears that the baseline iPad, which was the most recent refresh from Apple, will now be modified again, perhaps getting the new Apple silicone M1 chipset that has already permeated the iPad Pro and Air lineups.

The iPad Air will likely get a faster M2 chipset, which should make it marginally faster than the current 6th-gen lineup.

And finally, it is also being speculated that the iPad Mini might also get a spec boost to the Apple A16 Bionic chipset.
Design-wise all the iPads are reported to be the same for the time being.

The iPad Mini had been plagued with a kind of jelly-scrolling effect that made one part of the screen scroll a bit slower than the rest.
It is likely going to be fixed with the rumoured iPad Mini 7.

iPad Lineup Refresh
iPad Lineup

Also if you’re looking forward to a new iPad Pro release, you’ll have to wait a bit longer.

The next-generation iPad Pro models, featuring OLED screens, are anticipated to be launched in the latter half of 2024.
This timeline aligns well with Apple’s schedule, as the first half of the year is expected to be focused on the rollout of Apple’s Vision Pro spatial computer.

No Special Event For the Launch?

With such minor improvements being speculated it will be unlikely that Apple will hold a full-scale event for their unveiling.

Apple has done this previously with its mid-season iPad refresh so there is no reason to believe the company won’t do it again.

There are also reports of a new Apple Pencil in the making with USB-C charging, a further shift by the company to integrate this universal port across all its consumer electronics offerings.

While tablet sales are not doing so well in the world as of now, the iPad still remains the number one choice for consumers foraying into the segment.

The reported refresh and spec bumps to at least three models in the iPad lineup will surely help the company’s sales projections in the immediate future.

iPad Mini 7

GENERAL

Sim Type Single Sim, GSM
Dual Sim No
Sim Size Nano SIM
Device Type Tablet
Release Date September 14, 2022 (Expected)
Voice Call Yes

DISPLAY

Type Color IPS LCD Screen (16M Colors)
Touch Yes
Size 8.3 inches, 2266 x 1488 pixels
PPI ~ 326 PPI
Features Wide Colour Display (P3), True Tone display, Fingerprint-resistant Oleophobic Coating, Fully Laminated Display, Anti-reflective Coating

MEMORY

Storage 64 GB
Card Slot No

CONNECTIVITY

GPRS Yes
EDGE Yes
3G Yes
4G Yes
5G Yes
VoLTE Yes
Wifi Yes, with wifi-hotspot
Bluetooth Yes, 5.3
USB Yes, USB-C v3.1
USB Features USB Tethering, USB on-the-go, USB Charging

EXTRA

GPS Built‑in GPS, GNSS
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
Face Unlock Yes
Sensors Three-axis Gyro, Accelerometer, Barometer, Ambient light sensor

CAMERA

Rear Camera 12 MP f/1.8 (Wide Angle) with autofocus
Features Panorama, Smart HDR 3, Burst Mode, Photo Geotagging, Wide Colour Capture, Five-element Lens, Auto Image Stabilisation, Quad-LED True Tone Flash
Video Recording 4K @ 24/25/30/60 fps UHD, 1080p @ 25/30/60 fps FHD
Flash Yes
Front Camera 12 MP f/2.4 (Wide Angle) with Retina Flash

TECHNICAL

OS iOS v15
Chipset Apple Bionic A15
CPU 3.22 GHz, Hexa Core Processor
Core Details 2×3.22 GHz Avalanche + 4xX.X GHz Blizzard
GPU Apple 5-core Graphics
Java No
Browser Yes

MULTIMEDIA

Email Yes
Music Yes
Video Yes
FM Radio Yes

BATTERY

Type Non-Removable Battery

ipad Air 5th Gen Key Specs

GENERAL

Device Type Tablet
Release Date March 08, 2022
Voice Call No

DESIGN

Dimensions 178.5 x 247.6 x 6.1 mm
Weight 461 g

DISPLAY

Type Color Liquid Retina IPS LCD (16M Colors)
Touch Yes
Size 10.9 inches, 1640 x 2360 pixels
PPI ~ 264 PPI
Screen to Body Ratio ~ 81.3%
Features True-tone, Wide Color Gamut, 500 nits brightness

MEMORY

Storage 64 GB
Card Slot No

CONNECTIVITY

GPRS No
EDGE No
3G No
4G No
5G No
Wifi Yes
Bluetooth Yes, v5.0, A2DP, EDR
USB Yes, USB-C
USB Features USB on-the-go, USB Charging

EXTRA

GPS Yes, with A-GPS, GNSS
Fingerprint Sensor Yes, Side
Face Unlock Yes
Sensors Accelerometer, Gyro, Compass, Barometer
3.5mm Headphone Jack No

CAMERA

Rear Camera 12 MP f/1.8 (Wide Angle) with autofocus
Features Digital zoom up to 5x, Five-element lens, Smart HDR 3, Panorama, Photo Geotagging, Burst mode
Video Recording 4K @ 24/30/60 fps UHD, 1080p @ 30 fps FHD
Front Camera 12 MP f/2.4 (Main)
Front Video Recording 1080p @ 25/30/60 fps FHD

TECHNICAL

OS iOS v15
Chipset Apple M1
CPU Octa Core Processor
GPU Apple GPU (8-core graphics)
Java No
Browser Yes

MULTIMEDIA

Email Yes
Music Yes
Video Yes
FM Radio No
Document Reader Yes

BATTERY

Type Non-Removable Battery
Size Li-Po Battery
Fast Charging Yes, 20W USB‑C Power Adapter
Talk Time 10 hours

FAQs

What new chipsets are expected in the iPad lineup?

Apple is planning to integrate the M1 chipset into the baseline iPad and the faster M2 chipset into the iPad Air. The iPad Mini is rumored to get the A16 Bionic chipset.

When is the OLED iPad Pro expected?

The next-generation OLED iPad Pro models are likely to launch in the latter half of 2024.

Will there be design changes?

Current reports indicate that the design will remain the same, though the jelly-scrolling issue in the iPad Mini is expected to be fixed.

Is Apple planning a special event for the launch?

Given the minor updates, a full-scale event is unlikely. Apple has previously refreshed iPads without special events.

Also Read: Apple Days Sale on Vijay Sales Brings Massive Discounts on iPhone 13, iPhone 14 and More Apple Products like iPad , M1 MacBook Air , AirPods & Apple Watches

Also Read: Unmissable Apple Days Sale at Vijay Sales: Dive into Mega Discounts on iPhones, MacBooks, and iPads

Pixel 8 Pro Outperforms iPhone 15 Pro Max in Durability Tests

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Pixel 8 Pro

Highlights

  • Pixel 8 Pro withstands fire and bend tests, showing strong structural integrity.
  • Fingerprint scanner on Pixel 8 Pro remains functional even after fire test.
  • Pixel 8 Pro promises 7 years of software updates, surpassing Apple’s offerings.
  • Despite no Titanium build, Pixel 8 Pro’s durability exceeds that of iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro series launched earlier this month are the latest in the line for flagships from the Mountain View-based tech giant’s stable of products.

The devices are known for their flashy photography capabilities and nuanced AI-based optimisations to enhance said images captured.

But what about the durability? Historically Pixel devices have not been, what you call, highly durable.

YouTuber JerryRigEverything does a full test of the physical prowess of each smartphone unfortunate enough to be placed on his desk.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max interestingly, built from Grade 5 Titanium, shattered very easily under his fingers, or at least the back glass did.

iphone 15 pro shattered
iphone 15 Pro Shattered

So how does the Pixel 8 Pro, a premium flagship that does not have Titanium used in its building process, fare?

Well, Google has said that it will be offering nearly 7 years of software updates on the Pixel 8 devices which is quite unprecedented in terms of smartphones.

Apple, with its robust software and hardware integration, has historically been at the forefront of software offerings but it seems that Google is looking to outdo the company.

As such if you are to buy the Pixel 8 today, Google has said that the phone will get updates till 2030.
But the question is whether the device is durable enough to last for that long.

Zack Nelson, on his channel JerryRigEverything, went through his usual tests of screen and durability tests.

The highlight of which is this, during the fire test, the Pixel 8 Pro sustained a permanent burn mark after 17 seconds of exposure to flame.
Nevertheless, its fingerprint scanner remained fully functional despite the screen damage.

Pixel 8 Pro Bend test
Pixel 8 Pro Bend Test

In contrast to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which failed the bend test, the Pixel 8 Pro demonstrated strong structural integrity and showed no signs of cracks or fractures.

So it can be said that among the high-end flagships that were announced this year, the Pixel 8 Pro durability at least one-ups the iPhone 15 Pro Max, even though the latter splashed a lot of marketing material regarding its Titanium build.

The long-term durability of both phones is anyone’s guess, but it is good to see Google maintaining its position this year as a smartphone that will last your regular wear and tear.

FAQs

How did Pixel 8 Pro perform in the fire test?

The Pixel 8 Pro sustained a permanent burn mark after 17 seconds but its fingerprint scanner remained functional.

What about the bend test results?

Unlike the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Pixel 8 Pro passed the bend test with no cracks or fractures.

How long will the Pixel 8 Pro receive updates?

Google has promised nearly 7 years of software updates for the Pixel 8 Pro, until 2030.

Is the Pixel 8 Pro made of Titanium like the iPhone 15 Pro Max?

No, the Pixel 8 Pro does not feature a Titanium build, yet it performed better in durability tests.

Also Read: Google Pixel 8 Pro Features, design and colour variants confirmed by official website ahead of October Launch; Check the 360 degree preview

Also Read: Google Pixel 8 Pro hands-on images leak: Confirm major design changes; may get a big battery boost over Pixel 7