Counterclockwise: iPhones, Nokia E series and Lumias

Each weekend we put our arcane knowledge of phones to good use and we pen the Counterclockwise article. This time we look at smartphone's struggle to turn from simple texting machines to the digital camera of the 21st century. Camera, lights, iOS update! The iPhone launched with a fairly basic camera that didn't even have video recording. In 2009 the iOS 3.0 (then iPhone OS 3.0) update was looming and leaked screenshots showed the revamped camera and gallery with video buttons. Screenshot of the updated camera application The new iPhone, the 3GS, was expected to brings an upgraded camera with 3.15MP resolution. When it was announced, the phone could record 480p video. The iOS update for 2010 was set to bring a different kind of video - video calls, a proprietary service Apple dubbed FaceTime (instead of using the standard 3G video call system). The update also brought over "100 new features," perhaps the most exciting of which was multi-tasking, but there was also tap to focus in video recording. The iPhone 4 that came out in 2010 was the first time Apple seriously worked on a phone camera and it was amazing for its time. The iPhone 4S camera was even better - an 8MP shooter with 1080p video capture. Those two used OmniVision sensors. For the iPhone 5 the rumor was that Apple will switch to a Sony sensor but keep the 8MP resolution. Apple is still at 8MP/1080p, the biggest changes in recent years were the addition of high framerate mode and optical image stabilization on the iPhone 6 Plus. The iOS 7 update in 2013 was running late as Apple was redesigning the UI. Spelling 'doom' for QWERTY While the iPhone was yet to get video capture in 2009, Nokia was legendary in the business world alongside BlackBerry. The Nokia E75 was just hitting stores, with its large slide-out QWERTY keyboard it was set to become an email-sending machine. Nokia E75 A year later, two Nokia E series phones from 2008 were still getting support - the Nokia E71 and E66 received free voice-guided navigation via Ovi Maps. Nokia's last slide-out QWERTY came with the Nokia E7 which launched in February 2011 though it took a while to get to the US and started shipping in April. By that time Symbian was facing the same fate as hardware QWERTYs and later that year Nokia announced its first Windows Phone-powered Lumia phone. Nokia's dominance had declined and its Windows Phone-powered Lumia line was in for a fight. The Windows race In April 2012 AT&T launched two Windows Phone-powered flagships - Nokia's Lumia 900 and HTC's Titan II. The Lumia had a 4.3" screen and an 8MP camera with Carl Zeiss glass, the Titan II packed a whopping 16MP camera and had a roomy 4.7" screen. Despite the disparity in those numbers, the winner of the skirmish was clear. The Nokia Lumia 900 topped the charts at Amazon, with its Black and Cyan versions being the top two AT&T devices. The Cyan version in particular shot up 394%. As for the HTC Titan II, perhaps it didn't help that it cost $100 more, but whatever the reason HTC's WP7 flagship didn't even make it into the Top 20. Nokia was trying to win the mid-range too, at the same time in April it was offering discounts and free Xpress-on covers for the T-Mobile's Lumia 710. A year later Nokia had become the leading (some would suggest only) runner in the Windows Phone. The company was pressing its camera advantage and the Lumia 928 leaked - a phone with an optically stabilized 8MP camera and xenon flash. That was Verizon's version of the Lumia 920 (which had only LED flash) and it came late. Perhaps as compensation, the Nokia Lumia Icon stayed exclusive to Verizon for quite a while. It was a big deal, marking two major milestones for Windows Phone - the first 1080p screen and the first quad-core processor. It also marked the return to high resolution cameras with a 20MP sensor. The GSM version of the Icon, called Lumia 930, was rather late to the party - it was unveiled in early April 2014. By that time a 5" 1080p screen and quad-core CPU were 2013 news for Android. The camera didn't even record 2160p video at the time - that cmaei with the later Denim update. While Windows Phone's flagship class was waning, the platform had become known for offering great specs at the entry-level. To reinforce that, Nokia launched...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/counterclockwise_iphones_nokia_e_series_and_lumias-news-11852.php

OnePlus One will get CyanogenMod 12S update soon

OnePlus One will receive the much awaited CyanogenMod 12S update in the next few days. The Chinese manufacturer's co-founder announced that the ROM has received certification from Google. .@jorgepenteado CM12s just passed certification today. Thanks for the patience, expect rollout in the next few days.— Carl Pei (@getpeid) April 10, 2015 The CyanogenMod 12S update was expected to arrive on March 27 but that didn't happen. In the meantime OnePlus did manage to release its OxygenOS for the One. On the official CyanogenMod blog, the company mentioned that work has commenced on the Android 5.1 Lollipop front. Final results can be expected with the CM 12.1 release. CyanogenMod 12S will bring improved privacy and permission controls. The new LiveDisplay will be the go-to menu option for calibrating and adjusting the display as per personal...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_one_to_get_cyanogenmod_12s_update_soon-news-11872.php

Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime lands in the US at Cricket

The Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime that made its international debut last fall is now available at a US carrier for the first time. Said company is Cricket Wireless, the AT&T subsidiary focused on prepaid plans. The Grand Prime is already listed in Cricket's online store. It's priced at $179.99. Since this is a prepaid carrier, the price is without any long-term contract signing requirements. The device is in stock in white. The smartphone comes with a 5-inch 540x960 touchscreen, an 8 MP rear camera, a 5 MP selfie snapper, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of expandable internal storage, and a 2,600 mAh battery. At the helm we can find Qualcomm's Snapdragon 410 chipset with a 1.2 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU and Adreno 306 GPU. The Galaxy Grand Prime has 4G LTE, and it runs Android 4.4...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_grand_prime_lands_in_the_us_at_cricket-news-11871.php

LG G Pad 7.0, 8.0, and 10.1 will get Lollipop on April 12

So far the only LG tablet to get updated to Android Lollipop is the G Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition, unsurprisingly since in that case such rollouts are handled by Google. However, if you own one of LG's three midrange tablets launched last year, you're apparently in for a treat too. The LG G Pad 7.0, G Pad 8.0, and G Pad 10.1 (pictured below) should all run Lollipop starting this Sunday, on April 12. This is obviously the intended day for the commencing of the rollout. Getting it to all the devices out there might take a few days, keep that in mind. And as usual, we might see different regions scoring the update at different times. On the other hand, LG says the updates will be available to download on its website as well, so perhaps you'll be able to grab the necessary files and install them through your computer if you don't like waiting. At this point it's unclear if LG has included any additional new stuff in these updates, aside from what Lollipop brings with it from Google's...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g_pad_70_80_and_101_will_get_lollipop_on_april_12-news-11870.php

Charge test: Battle of the fast chargers

Smartphone batteries piggybacked on the growing screen size to go up in capacity to support both the screen and faster chipsets. Slower to deplete, the new batteries also proved slower to charge so manufacturers tackled the issue with new standards.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/charge_test-review-1239.php

HTC Desire EYE is getting Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update

HTC has started rolling out the new Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update for its selfie smartphone - Desire EYE. To our surprise, the Taiwanese company has started seeding this Lollipop update first in its home country - Taiwan. HTC Desire EYE (Taiwan) receives Android 5.0.2. ROM version is 2.19.709.1 (1008.9MB).— LlabTooFeR (@LlabTooFeR) April 10, 2015 The new Lollipop system update bears 2.19.709.1 build version and weighs 1008.9MB heavy. The update brings all great features of the Lollipop version but surprisingly doesn't bump the Sense UI to Sense 7 version. Instead, the update has Sense 6.55 on board. LlabTooFer, a ROM developer, estimated that the Sense 7.0 UI will arrive with Android 5.1 update and will be made available for several existing models. We look forward to the improvements especially in the camera section. Do let us know if you find something new and check our Desire EYE review to figure out the difference....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_desire_eye_is_getting_android_502_lollipop_update-news-11869.php

Samsung Galaxy S6 edge is getting Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update

Samsung is busy shipping out and making the new Galaxy S6 edge available in several markets today. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S6 edge is getting its first official firmware update - Android 5.0.2 Lollipop. The new Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update measures 250.53 MB heavy and mostly brings improvements for better performance. The curved touchscreen will become more responsive with this update. Besides that, several built-in apps get interface tweaks. The Photo Editor gets a few new features for image editing on the go and also more accessories will be compatible with the phone. This new Lollipop update started rolling out in Netherlands first and can be expected to be available in other regions soon. Take a look at our Galaxy S6 edge review if you are planning to buy one soon. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s6_edge_is_getting_android_502_lollipop_update-news-11868.php

Asus Zenfone 2 arrives in Malaysia on May 9, after all

The Asus Zenfone 2 range is conquering new grounds wekkly and we previously reported that a Malaysian launch is scheduled for April 21. Well, apparently we were a little off, but fret not, as the smartphones are coming. The final date is May 9 and is as official as it gets, coming straight from the Twitter feed of the company's Malaysian branch. The event will be held in Kuala Lumpur. The most anticipated moment is here! Register now at http://t.co/1LpNKa2DIV #IncredibleZenDay #ZenFone pic.twitter.com/kPzY5MlA7n— ASUS Mobile Malaysia (@asusmobilemy) April 10, 2015 That's not all there is to it, though. While typically such events are limited to the specialized press, Asus has chosen a more personal approach this time. Fans of the brand will also be able to attend, but with prior online registration. Also the number is limited to 1,000, so head on to Asus website while there are still seats. Thanks to Jeng Jeng Jeng for the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_zenfone_2_arrives_in_malaysia_on_may_9_after_all-news-11867.php

Xiaomi to launch a global Mi phone in India on April 23

Chinese startup Xiaomi just celebrated its fifth birthday by offering great deals and availability of its products to more than one commerce platform in India. Now the company's official Twitter account has shared an invite for a probable new smartphone launch on April 23 in New Delhi, India. i IS COMING. Register for our global Mi phone premiere in New Delhi on 23 April. http://t.co/H8GdKvulca #MiLaunch2015 pic.twitter.com/0pxgSe4Mu0— Mi India (@MiIndiaOfficial) April 10, 2015 Official Xiaomi website for India states a simple message - i is coming. Global Mi phone premiere in New Delhi. The thing to be noted is the Global Mi phone aspect since the company's founder and CEO Lei Jun, Co-founder Bin Lin and global VP, Hugo Barra will be present at the event. It is unclear which smartphone can be expected to be launched but this does affirm the company's claim about India being a major...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_to_launch_a_global_mi_phone_in_india_on_april_23-news-11866.php

Vivo Xshot successor tipped to come with phase detection AF

The Vivo Xshot was just over at our office for the usual review routine, but apparently it's successor is well in the works. Evidence coming from an internal company meeting suggests further steps are being taken towards a more serious photography-oriented package. Auto-focus was one area, where Vivo saw room for improvement, and insider info claims that a new phase detection system is to be utilized. So far phase detection has been employed in the likes of Samsung Galaxy S5, the Apple iPhone 6 and 6 Plus and LG G3, outside of the system's main DSLR use. Judging by the image above, Vivo has put it to good use. The table presents a comparison of focusing times with the new Chinese model consistently ahead of the iPhone 6, by as much as 0.09s. While it may not sound like much, it's actually up to 30% faster, which could be critical in certain situations. The unnamed source has additionally revealed that a new 20MP sensor will be used, replacing the 13MP one in the current Xshot. It's also been reported that the next-gen smartphone is coming this May, so if any of this ends up true, we're in for a treat sooner, rather than...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/vivo_xshot_successor_to_come_with_phase_detection_af-news-11865.php

Samsung Galaxy J5 specs show up in a GFXBench listing

The Samsung Galaxy J1 is soon not going to be the sole member of the J-series as larger, better-equipped models are coming. Industry insiders revealed a few days ago the hardware inside the upcoming Galaxy J5 and J7, and a fresh listing on GFXBench website confirms the specs of the former. The device, which is positioned in the middle of the lineup, is built around a 5-inch display of 720 x 1,280 pixels resolution. Computing power is delivered by a 1.2GHz Cortex-A53 quad-core processor inside a 64-bit Snapdragon 410 chip, paired with 1.5GB of RAM. The smartphone was running Android 5.0.2 when it ran the benchmark. Almost half of the built-in 8GB of storage is apparently taken up by system files and 4.7GB are left to the user. The site lists the main camera as 12MP, but at 12.78MP, we'd be generous and call it 13. The selfie cam is a 5MP unit and both shoot FullHD video. We're yet to see official confirmation on the above, but everything checks out so far, so it couldn't be very far off. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_j5_specs_show_up_in_a_gfxbench_listing-news-11864.php

Lenovo A1900 is new $60 droid with a quad-core CPU

It's not all flagships out there, but in between the review craze after the release of one and the buildup to the launch of the next, lower-key announcements may easily go unnoticed. One such case it the brand new Lenovo A1900 - an entry-level device, that's set to retail at the equivalent of $60. A level head knows not to expect miracles at this price point, because only so much can be done on a budget. The A1900 is powered by a Spreadtrum SC7730 chipset with a 1.2GHz quad-core processor and Mali-400 GPU. A modest 512MB of RAM are on board, as well as 4GB of storage, which is expandable via microSD. The smartphone sports a 4-inch 800x480 pixel display for a rather decent 233ppi density, and it's an IPS panel, too. It packs dual-SIM compatibility, and comes with triple-band 2G and 2100MHz 3G connectivity as well as GPS, Wi-Fi and FM radio. A 1,500mAh battery is fitted inside the 121 x 62 x 9.5 body, which weighs just 117g. Overall, a basic smartphone, for price-conscious shoppers, wanting to delve into the Android world. It's unlikely that it'll make it outside of its home market,...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lenovo_a1900_is_new_60_droid_with_a_quadcore_cpu-news-11863.php

Huawei P8 Lite leaked in a set of live images

It's no secret that parallel to its top-end P8 model, set to debut on April 15, Huawei is working on a smaller, more affordable device. Part of the P8 family, the P8 Lite went as far as receiving TENAA certification, without any official word from the company. Now, a sample unit has apparently fallen into the hands of a user, keen to share. The four live images of the P8 Lite reveal both the black and white version, front and back. Huawei P8 Lite live photos The dual-SIM handset is reported to sport a 5-inch 720p screen, and be powered by a 1.2GHz octa-core processor, joined by 2GB of RAM. A 13MP/5MP imaging combo will be on board, and the phone will boot EmotionUI-skinned Android 5.0. The images are about as revealing as the one's in the Chinese authority's listing, which is to say - not much. What they do tell us, is that the smartphone is real and is on its way. Perhaps we could expect it to be announced alongside its bigger brother merely a few days from now. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_p8_lite_leaked_in_a_set_of_live_images-news-11862.php

Apple Watch now available for pre-order on Apple online store

Apple has opened up the pre-orders for the Apple Watch. All three versions - Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition - in various color, size, and strap combination, are now available. The prices range from $349 for the base model, which is the 38mm Apple Watch Sport with the Sport Band and goes all the way to an eye-watering $17,000 for the 38mm 18-Karat Yellow Gold Apple Watch Edition with Bright Red Modern Buckle. Katy Perry already has one of these. You can also opt for AppleCare+. It;s $49 for the Apple Watch Sport, $69 for Apple Watch, and $1500 for Apple Watch Edition. The first two will get you two years of hardware repair and two years of complementary support. With the Apple Watch Edition, AppleCare+ includes three years of coverage and two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a $1,000 service fee plus applicable tax. You can pre-order the Apple Watch from the link below. The watch will start shipping 4-6 weeks after ordering. Apple...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_watch_now_available_for_preorder_on_apple_online_store-news-11861.php

HTC promises a software update to fix One M9 camera woes

HTC America's president, Jason Mackenzie has confirmed that a software update to fix the camera woes of HTC One M9 will be released in the United States between April 10 to April 17. The rollout of the new firmware will be dependent on the device's carrier version. @Monica_Renata @Crofty_71 @HTCUSA camera to see improvement w/ sw update coming tomorrow or 17th (next Fri) depending on carrier version— Jason Mackenzie (@JasonMacHTC) April 9, 2015 HTC dropped its UltraPixel technology and utilized a new Toshiba-made 20MP BSI sensor in the One M9 flagship. However, it seems that the company will take a while to adjust with the tough competition on the mobile imaging front - early reviews of the One M9 did mention some issues with luminance and HDR. You can find out all about HTC One M9 in our detailed...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_promises_a_software_update_to_fix_one_m9_camera_woes-news-11860.php

Galaxy S6 sales on T-Mobile "nearly double those" of S5

T-Mobile US announced that sales of Samsung Galaxy S6 are "nearly double those of the Galaxy S5" in the first ten days of offering the device. The Big Magenta began shipping pre-orders of the new smartphone to its customers last week. The wireless carrier offers both the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge. T-Mobile customers who order the smartphones will also receive a year of free Netflix. Samsung will surely be pleased with the news from T-Mobile. The Korean giant's Q1 2015 earnings guidance points at slumping profits. Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge will carry the task if bringing back the good times for the manufacturer. Sales of HTC One (M9) have also been stellar for T-Mobile. In its first ten days of availability, the smartphone has already surpassed the sales of its predecessor, HTC One (M8)....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s6_sales_on_tmobile_nearly_double_those_of_galaxy_s5-news-11859.php

Sprint's Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Note Edge receive Lollipop

Sprint is now in the process of pushing out the update to Android 5.0 Lollipop for both the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy Note Edge. This follows last month's software release for the Galaxy Note 4 units sold by this particular carrier. In both cases, the updates are rolling out over-the-air, so your handset should notify you when it's ready to download and install. As software updates are rolled out in stages, it may take a few days before they reach all the devices out there. After applying the update, your Galaxy Note 3 for Sprint will run build N900PVPUEOC5. For this smartphone, the upgrade to Lollipop is all you'll see. In the case of the Galaxy Note Edge, however, some unnamed Wi-Fi calling enhancements are bundled too, along with "factory reset protection". If you own a Note Edge, the build you'll be running after applying the update is N915PVPU0AOC8. Source 1 • Source 2 |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sprints_galaxy_note_3_and_galaxy_note_edge_get_lollipop-news-11858.php

Huawei SnapTo becomes official, will be released on April 17

A couple of days ago the Huawei SnapTo was spotted at Amazon, and now the Chinese company has officially announced it. The SnapTo looks like a direct competitor to Motorola's Moto G, both in terms of pricing as well as when considering the specs in play. The Huawei SnapTo has a 5-inch 720p touchscreen, a 5 MP rear camera with LED flash, a 2 MP front-facing shooter, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of built-in storage (which is expandable via microSD cards), and a 2,200 mAh battery. It's powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 400 chipset, boasting a 1.2 GHz quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU and Adreno 305 GPU. 4G LTE support is included, and software-wise we're looking at Android 4.4 KitKat with Huawei's Emotion UI 2.3 on top. The phone is priced at $179.99, and you can pre-order one from Amazon in black or white. The release date is April 17 for the black model, while the white one is only expected in stock on May 15. Starting next week, the SnapTo will also be up for grabs at a few more retailers, including Best Buy, NewEgg, Fry's, as well as Huawei's official online store for the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_snapto_becomes_official_will_be_released_on_april_17-news-11857.php

Huawei P8, P8 Lite press images leaked

Huawei is set to launch the new P8 and P8 Lite smartphones on April 15. A recent promo video teased the P8 smartphone briefly and left many wondering what the final product would actually look like. The Huawei P8 is set to arrive with a 5.2" 1080p display, 3GB of RAM, and 32GB storage. The Chinese company is reportedly using homegrown Kirin 935 chipset. At the rear is 13MP camera while a 5MP front snapper takes care of selfies. Running the Emotion UI based on Android 5.0 Lollipop it will pack a 2,520 mAh battery. A slightly toned down version, the Huawei P8 Lite will have a 5" 720p display, 2GB RAM, a 13MP rear camera, and 5MP front camera. This device too will run Emotion UI based on Android 5.0...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_p8_p8_lite_press_images_leaked-news-11856.php

Nokia Lumia 640 available in the UK, 640 XL by the end of April

The Nokia Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL went up on pre-order in the UK in mid-March. Now the smaller of the two is available in stores, however if you wanted the 5.7" XL you'll have to wait until the end of the month. The Nokia Lumia 640 starts at £100 with a £15.50 a month contract. It's available at Carphone Warehouse, EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, Amazon, Tesco and Virgin. If you don't want a contract you'll have to shell out £144 for the LTE model. Color choices include glossy cyan and orange plus matte black. Carphone will offer a glossy white version exclusively. The bigger Nokia Lumia 640 XL will be available SIM-free from a number of retailers at £220. It will come in matte cyan, orange, black and white, plus glossy white. Both 640 phones will come with Windows Phone 8 but will be updated to Windows 10 when it becomes available later this...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_lumia_640_available_in_the_uk_640_xl_by_the_end_of_april-news-11855.php

Purported Sony Xperia Z4 press image spotted online

We reported that Sony is working on the Xperia Z4 smartphone set to launch sometime soon. While the specifications leak, we eagerly wait to see if there are any design changes. To our surprise, there are barely any visible changes as per a new leaked press image. Previously leaked press renders showed off the white colored model and this new leak shows the black version. Sony has followed its familiar OmniBalance design language. The control placement has been confirmed with the recent case leak. The Sony Xperia Z4 is expected tofeature a 5.2" Quad HD display, powered with quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 SoC, 4GB RAM, 32GB/64GB built-in storage, 20.7MP camera, and will pack non-removable...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/purported_sony_xperia_z4_press_image_spotted_online-news-11854.php

Samsung expects Galaxy S6 models to sell in record numbers

Samsung's latest pair of flagship devices have been generating a veritable storm of interest ever since their announcement at MWC 2015. Both eager customers and carriers have been piling up preorders, like there is no tomorrow and at this pace, the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge are set to swiftly break sales records. At a media event, this Thursday, Samsung's own J.K. Shin, gave his two cents on the matter and even expressed concerns about not being able to cope with overwhelming market demands, especially for the double-edged model. Even though all predictions indicate that the flat Galaxy S6 model will sell in greater numbers, especially in its native Korean market, there might be supply issues with the Galaxy S6 edge, as it is more difficult to produce. So, we can quite possibly expect initial shortages of the new curved Galaxy on various markets. As HMC Investment analyst Greg Roh noted: Some carriers are switching existing orders to get more of the S6 edge, and it looks like demand for the model will exceed supply throughout this year. That means average selling price will fall at a slower rate, which will have a positive impact on Samsung overall. What this all boils down to is a major chance for Samsung to regain some lost profitability in the next quarter. Even better, it seems the long-standing sales champion - the Galaxy S3, might finally be dethroned. Since its initial launch in 2012, the device has sold an estimated 80 million units. Samsung has declined to share its expectations of Galaxy S6 sales, but analysts believe the number might exceed 50 million in this year alone. More sold units, naturally equals more income for the Korean giant, but with the latest Galaxy model this is truer than ever, as, unlike most of its predecessors, it relies solely on Samsung's own Exynos chips. This could potentially boost profits even more. But does this mean that there will be no more Qualcomm SoC's in Samsung's future handsets? J.K. Shin made it clear that the partnership between the two companies is still strong and the motivation behind the switch in silicon is simply that: We have to use the best engines to make our products competitive, which is why we opted to use our own chips. The president and CEO also noted that: We may very well end up using products from Qualcomm again in the next Galaxy phone....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_s6_models_expected_to_sell_in_record_numbers-news-11851.php

The Apple watch might come as late as May for some buyers

If you have been following the developments around Apple's smart wearable, you are surely aware of two important dates - April 10 and April 24. Preorders for the Apple Watch start tomorrow and initial units are said to ship two weeks later. As we recently mentioned, the gadget will be available for in-store pickup, but if you really want to be among the first to get your hands on one, it's all about the timing and preordering online is shaping up as a necessity. New information, suggest that even if you time everything right and preorder your unit as early as possible, come April 24, you could be set for a major disappointment. It turns out, that on certain online retail stores, most notable in Germany and the UK, shipping dates for different Apple Watch models vary significantly and extend well into May. This data comes from Apple's official German website, which had delivery estimates posted. It is still unclear if this was an accident or if the story is true for that matter, but a few shots of the market place, seem to have captured the delivery information, before it was taken down. Here is a synopsis of the different Apple Watch models and their expected shipping dates, according to the source: • Apple Watch Sport: Usually ships "24.04. to 5.8. " • Apple Watch with modern leather bracelet: Usually ships in "4 to 6 weeks" • Apple Watch Link Watch: Usually ships in "4 to 6 weeks" • Apple Watch with leather strap with loop: Usually ships in "4 to 6 weeks" • Apple Watch with classic leather strap: Usually ships "24.04. to 5.8. " • Apple Watch with Milanese bracelet: Usually ships "24.04. to 5.8. " • Apple Watch with Sport Armband: Usually ships "24.04. to 5.8. " • Apple Watch Edition: Usually ships "MAY" Initially limiting walk-in purchases could have been just one of a broader set of precautions the Cupertino giant has taken to prevent severe stock shortage. In this respect, postponed deliveries, especially outside the US are a definite possibility. So if you live outside the US and are hoping to get your hand on the new Apple Watch as soon as possible your best bet seems to be to preorder and hope for the best. Also, you might want to steer clear of Apple stores come April 24, as the launch is shaping up to be a crowd-packed mass event of Apple fans. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/the_apple_watch_might_come_as_late_as_may_for_some_buyers-news-11849.php

All glass Oppo A31 with LTE launched for $160

Oppo Mobile has quietly introduced a new dual-SIM phone - Oppo A31 for China. The new A31 features glass panel at the rear to join the competitive mid-range segment at $160. Bearing the dual-glass design, a metallic frame is what binds the glass panels together in an 8mm thin profile. Oppo has used a 4.5-inch display with 480x854 pixel resolution which might be a little setback. The phone is powered with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 chipset tha features quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU coupled with 1GB RAM, 8GB built-in storage, and micro SD slot to hold up to 128GB card. By default, it will run ColorOS based on Android 4.4 KitKat. At the rear is a 8MP camera sensor with f/2.2 aperture for covering wider area and LED flash to support it. In the front is a 5MP camera for clicking selfies and video calls. The A31 supports 4G LTE network SIMs in both SIM slots and packs a 2,000 mAh battery. For now, the phone will be made available in China and then hopefully in other markets such as India and select European countries. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/all_glass_oppo_a31_with_lte_launched_for_160-news-11848.php

Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge official drop tests released

A couple of days ago Samsung disclosed their official bending test routine, in light of a controversial third-party test, which claimed the Galaxy S6 edge brittle as, well, glass. It was only natural then that the company's own drop tests were released to the public, after countless Youtube attention-seekers had already published their own take and we reported on one doing it with particular zeal. There's nothing surprising in Samsung's test, and it's the same rig we already saw when the Galaxy Note 4 was released. The setup offers repeatable results and takes as much of the human factor as possible out of the equation. Both the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge devices are released into a free fall from chest height with the back hurtling towards the ground, with no major obvious consequences. The Galaxy S6 edge gets a dedicated test of its own, where it falls on its edge, possibly the least favorable scenario. It survives that too. Samsung goes on to explain how the smartphone is designed so the fist thing to hit the ground is the aluminum frame, thus minimizing the impact on the glass. Additionally the insides are supposedly arranged in such a way as to share the stress and limit the chances of breakage. Naturally, in a disclaimer of sorts, the video states that with proper enthusiasm you could actually break your Galaxy S6. But so you could break your watch' face and your car's windshield, so the difference between a surviving smartphone and a dead one is more or less the level of...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s6_and_s6_edge_official_drop_tests_released-news-11847.php

The 16MP camera of LG G4 has been developed in-house

The 16MP main camera module of the upcoming LG G4 has been designed in-house. The Korean giant's components manufacturing arm, LG Innotek developed the high-end sensor, which is already in mass production. LG's innovative camera unit has a wide f/1.8 aperture. The latter allows the camera to receive 80% more light than the already stellar 13MP snapper found in LG G3. The 16MP main camera of LG G4 has been paired with an 8MP front-facing unit, whose resolution is the highest offered by LG for a selfie camera to date. The new front-facing camera features ultra-thin IR filter, which keeps infrared light from entering the camera lens. LG G4 will debut later this month, on April 28. The Korean manufacturer already confirmed that the smartphone will feature a new-generation 5.5" QHD display....

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/_the_16mp_camera_of_lg_g4_has_been_developed_inhouse-news-11846.php

Alleged Huawei P8 prototype poses for the camera

Alleged live photos of a Huawei P8 prototype made the rounds online. The Chinese tech giant's next flagship smartphone will make its official debut next week, on April 15. The images reveal the upcoming smartphone in a case, which is designed to hide its identity. Manufacturers usually ship unannounced devices to in such covers to wireless carriers for testing. A shot of the device's settings menu reveals its specs. They include 1.8GHz quad-core CPU, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of built-in memory, and 1080p display. The OS on board is Android 4.4. with EMUI 3.0. Past rumors have pointed a 3GB of RAM for the device, though we won't be surprised if Huawei offers different memory variant as it has don't in the past.The lower amount of RAM could also mean that the device in question is the previously leaked Huawei P8 Lite. So far, it seems that Huawei P8 will be available in a number of different variants. Thankfully, we won't have to wait long to find out what the company has in store. Source (in French)...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/alleged_huawei_p8_prototype_poses_for_the_camera_-news-11845.php

vivo Xshot review: Shot in the dark

Another Chinese flagship but with a twist. If vivo rings a bell at all, it's most probably the X5Max, the world's slimmest phone. Not a bad thing to be known for but vivo isn't just about looks.

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/vivo_xshot-review-1238.php

Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition gets android 5.1 Lollipop

Android 5.1 Lollipop began seeding to Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition. Sony's phablet is the latest stock Android device to receive the update - the Google Play editions HTC One (M8) and LG G Pad 8.3 also got the treatment over past couple of days. The update has build number LMY47D. It brings a host of bug fixes and improvements to the smartphone headed by beefed up security and HD voice support. Other Android 5.1 goodies include the ability control paired Bluetooth devices from Quick Settings. Users can also join Wi-Fi networks in similar fashion. The new firmware will begin seeding to the smartphone in batches. If you are an owner of a Google Play Edition Sony Z Ultra, head over to your device's settings to check if the update is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_z_ultra_google_play_edition_gets_android_51_lollipop-news-11844.php

Apple's iOS 8.3 is now out for all supported devices

After a few betas for developers and a couple of public beta releases for consumers, iOS 8.3 has been finalized by Apple. The new software version is now in the process of rolling out to all supported mobile devices. iOS 8.3 brings with it a very large number of bug fixes, but also some new features. Among these is a new emoji picker, new diversified emoji, wireless CarPlay support, two-factor authentication for Google accounts, and Apple Pay functionality enabled for the China UnionPay network. A few apps have received minor updates too, for example Passbook, Messages, and Photos. Siri got new languages and the ability to make calls via the speakerphone. You can now download free apps without having to enter your Apple password. Previously, iOS 8.1 brought support for Apple Pay, and iOS 8.2 incorporated all the bits necessary for the mobile OS to work with the Apple Watch. An update to iOS 8.4 could already be in the works, perhaps including Apple's upcoming streaming music service. Source 1 • Source...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/apples_ios_83_is_now_out_for_all_supported_devices-news-11843.php

HTC Desire 626G+ gets announced for India

Today HTC has unveiled a new smartphone for the Indian market. It's called Desire 626G+ and all appearances point toward it being just a regional variant of the Desire 626 - which HTC launched in its home market of Taiwan back in February. As you may have inferred from the Desire branding, this is a midrange offering, not a flagship device (HTC has, however, announced one of those too earlier today). The Desire 626G+ comes with a 5-inch 720p touchscreen, a 1.7 GHz octa-core CPU, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of built-in storage (expandable via microSD), a 13 MP rear camera, a 5 MP selfie unit, and a 2,000 mAh battery. The phone has dual-SIM support, no 4G LTE though - it tops out at 21Mbps HSPA. That's basically the biggest difference between this and the Desire 626, which does have LTE capabilities. The exact chipset isn't named in HTC's documents, but it's probably the MediaTek MT6752 - based on the CPU frequency and the fact that the Desire 626 uses this SoC. As for software, you get HTC Sense on top of Android, but the exact version employed is unclear. Again, if we go by the Desire 626, it should be Android 4.4.4 KitKat. HTC has decided to price the Desire 626G+ at INR 16,900, which right now means $271 or €250. That's quite a bit more than what the Desire 626 goes for in Taiwan - namely around $190. Anyway, the new handset will be offered in two color versions, Blue Lagoon and White Birch. It should become available in India in the near...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_desire_626g_gets_announced_for_india-news-11841.php

Android in March: Lollipop inches past 5 percent

Another month has passed and the statistics are out for the Android versions distribution. The data is gathered over a seven day period prior to the release and the chart is based on the number of the devices that have visited the Google Play Store over that time span. With manufacturers gradually ramping up Lollipop builds for their smartphones, it's no wonder that Android 5.0 has reached a 5-percent market share. Even the latest 5.1 installment has made it to the chart, albeit at a tiny 0.4%. Meanwhile KitKat still holds the largest share at 41.4%, an increase by 0.5 points over last months' figures. It's at the expense of previous Jelly Bean builds - some manufacturers are still rolling out KitKat updates for those. Older releases of Google's OS are still going strong with both Ice Cream Sandwich and Gingerbread ahead of Lollipop in terms of popularity. The oldest OS version, still compatible with the current Play Store App - 2.2 Froyo - gets the same share as the latest 5.1...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lollipop_inches_past_5_percent_in_latest_android_distribution_chart-news-11840.php

Samsung Galaxy J5 and J7 specs leak

The Galaxy J-series is part of Samsung's recent mobile portfolio expansion and representative of the new, single-letter naming convention, which could finally put some order in the manufacturer's lineup. Currently, we have only seen one member of the J-line - the Galaxy J1, but naming conventions and a few Samsung trademarks have led us to expect a higher-specked J3, J5 and J7 model. New information has surfaced on the matter and a fresh rumor gives us a glimpse of the alleged specs sheets of the J5 (SM-J500F) and J7 (SM-J700F). It states, that the smaller, J5, will be equipped with a 5.0-inch HD LCD display and powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 SoC with 1.5GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. A microSD card slot is also thrown in the mix and the whole thing is powered by a 2600 mAh battery. The body weighs 149g and has a thickness of 8.5mm. The beefier Galaxy J7 will, allegedly, have a 5.5-inch HD LCD screen, the same amount of ram and a choice between 4GB and 8GB for storage. The processor, however, will be an octa-core Marvel PXA1936 chip, clocked at either 1.2 GHz or 1.5 GHz. The device also has a beefier battery at 300 mAh and is slightly heavier at 170g, but also thinner with a 7.9mm profile. Both devices should also share a camera setup, consisting of a 13-megapixel main shooter and a 5MP secondary one, but an 8-megapixel option is not out of the question. 4G LTE connectivity will most likely be present on J-series phones as well and they should run Android 5.1 out of the...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_j5_and_j7_specs_leak-news-11839.php

Sony Xperia Z4 leaked case confirms controls placement

The Sony Xperia Z4 is set to complete this year's flagship team when it launches sometime in the summer. It will come bearing few surprises though, as the device was already leaked in press images, as well as spotted live, multiple times. In another round of revealing photos, we now get to see a set of bumper cases for Sony's upcoming high-end device. Case manufacturers are by necessity a step or two ahead of the general public and often provide valuable intel on future devices. This time the cases bring yet another confirmation on the omission of the magnetic charging connector, as you certainly wouldn't want to remove your case for each charging session. Apparently it was deemed unnecessary, now that the microUSB port has gone flapless and delivers the hassle-free charging, that the magnetic solution was there for. Sony Xperia Z4 bumper cases Other than that, the controls placement is also as previously expected, with a central cutout for the power button on the right side. Next to it is volume rocker, and the dedicated camera shutter button is further down, towards the end. None of this has much bearing on the actual launch of the handset, though. If anything, we can hope that the quantity of leaks suggests a nearing...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z4_leaked_case_confirms_controls_placement-news-11838.php

Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 10.1 with a new 64-bit chipset

Samsung has been testing an updated version of the Galaxy Tab 4 family for quite some time. The Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 was the first spotted running a brand new CPU and now rumors about the Galaxy Tab 4 10.1 following suit have been confirmed. The update in question has to do with the chipset. The old Snapdragon 400 is being swapped with a new 64-bit 410 model. While this is no major performance upgrade, the newer silicon is 64-bit, thus futureproofing the device and preparing it for the benefits of a Lollipop update. The rest of the specs sheet remains completely unchanged and so does the price tag. The device still comes with 1.5GB of RAM and a spacious but low-res 10.1-inch, 1280 x 800 pixel display. #twitter-widget-0 {width: 590px !important;} Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 VE 10.1 (Value Edition) SM-T533: old = "new", only change is Snapdragon 410. design & specs same pic.twitter.com/exa3PSIbXu— Roland Quandt (@rquandt) April 7, 2015 This only leaves one member or the Tab 4 family to wallow in the 32-bit realm, but chances are the Galaxy Tab 4 7.0, smallest of the bunch, will be getting the same treatment pretty soon as well. The update will undoubtedly extend the lifecycle of all three devices and might just hint that Samsung isn't planning a new Tab 5 series quite yet. Thanks for the tip...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_tab_4_101_with_a_new_64bit_chipset-news-11837.php

Asus to launch three ZenFone 2 models in India on April 23

Asus has finally started sending out invites for the launch of the ZenFone 2 on April 23. Scheduled launch will happen in the country's capital - New Delhi, and hopefully all models will be shown. On April 21, the ZenFone 2 will be launched in Malaysia as reported earlier. The Taiwanese company teases in its invite - World's First 4GB smartphone. For India, three different models will be introduced but there is no clue on the pricing yet. The cheapest variant will be the ZenFone 2 ZE500CL with a 5-inch 720p display, 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Atom Z2560 mobile SoC, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, 8MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, and 2,500 mAh battery. A little higher than that is the ZenFone 2 ZE550ML with a 5.5-inch 720p display, 1.8GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3560 SoC, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, 13MP camera with dual-LED flash, 5MP front camera, and 3,000 mAh battery. Finally, the top model - ZenFone 2 ZE551ML - packs a 5.5" 1080p display, a more capable 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3580 SoC, 4GB RAM and NFC. To know more about the ZenFone 2 models, take a look a our hands-on...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_to_launch_three_zenfone_2_models_in_india_on_april_23-news-11835.php

Huawei devices to start getting Lollipop next month

Huawei is one of the companies lagging behind in the roll out of the Android 5.0 Lollipop update. Yet the Chinese company is bringing some good news now, as it has put up a list of smartphones pegged to get the Lollipop update starting next month. Of course, the updates will be rolled out in phases. The Ascend Mate7 will be the first to get Lollipop, followed by the Ascend P7 and Ascend Mate 2. There are some devices which will be upgraded directly to Lollipop from current Jelly Bean state. It is surprising that the freshly introduced Honor 6 Plus and Honor 4X will have to wait for the Lollipop update until sometime in August. It is going to be a long wait for Huawei device owners for the Lollipop update wrapped in the Emotion UI, but at least now we know it's coming. Source |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_devices_to_get_lollipop_from_next_month_onwards-news-11834.php

Lollipop for Xperia Z3 Dual, Z1, Z1 Compact, Z Ultra due next week

Sony is already rolling out the Android 5.0 Lollipop update for its Xperia Z2 and Z2 tablet across different regions. In the mean time, the company has promised to release the Lollipop update for the Xperia Z3 Dual, Z1, Z1 Compact and Z Ultra devices the next week. 2/2 #Xperia Z3 Dual, Z1, Z1 Compact and Z Ultra next week, followed shortly after by T2 Ultra & C3. Then Z Series - more on timings soon.— Sony Xperia News (@SonyMobileNews) April 7, 2015 Following that, Sony will release the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update for the T2 Ultra and C3 smartphones. And finally, the company will roll out the update for the original Z series phones - Z, ZL, ZR and Z...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lollipop_for_xperia_z3_dual_z1_z1_compact_z_ultra_due_next_week-news-11833.php

HTC One M9+ with 5.2" QHD screen, duo camera unveiled

Since the MWC 2015, HTC has been caught in the whirlwind of rumors and badly kept secrets about the One M9+ as well as the two One E9 variants. Today the Taiwanese handset market has formally launched the new One M9+ at a press event held in Beijing, China. The One M9+ features a 5.2" QHD (1440 x2560 pixels) display and runs Android 5.0 Lollipop with HTC Sense 7 on top of it. It packs 32GB built-in storage and has a 20MP rear f/2.2 camera with secondary lens on the top for depth-sensing. For the selfie enthusiasts, there is a UltraPixel camera in the front. One major highlight of this smartphone is the 2.2GHz MediaTek MT6795T chipset armed with an octa-core CPU and 3GB RAM. HTC BoomSound speakers with Dolby Surround sound support come on the front along with a home button which integrates a fingerprint sensor with support for the AliPay payment system in China. There is no clarity on whether the One M9+ if sold outside China will bear fingerprint sensor. By default, the One M9+ offers a 2840 mAh battery to power the smartphone. HTC will introduce the phone in three color options - Gunmetal grey, Amber Gold, and Silver Gold color...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_one_m9_with_duo_camera_launched_in_china-news-11836.php

LG to give out 4,000 G4 trial units to consumers before the launch

LG has announced a new promotional campaign for its upcoming flagship smartphone - G4. As part of this campaign, the company will dole out 4,000 G4 smartphones to select individuals from 15 different countries as part of a public testing campaign. LG has made the the testing program page live in Korea and confirmed it will soon also come to Turkey, Indonesia, Singapore, United States, China, India, Brazil, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Mexico, Japan, and Hong Kong. Usually, the phone makers send an upcoming device to reputed media houses and individuals to let them test it and share feedback before it launches. As is the standard procedure, all those who receive the device have to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to protect the phone from being shown and talked about before the actual launch happens. About 4,000 consumers can participate in this test drive at LG's official website and social media channels dedicated for this campaign. The applicants can go ahead to post about it on social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Weibo. Then LG will select the participants to test the phone for 30 days and give them various assignments to be completed during the trial. The campaign will be rolled out in 15 countries prior to the official launch in those respective regions. LG G4 is set to launch on April 28 with new improved camera, Quad HD dispaly, powerful Qualcomm SoC and...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_to_give_out_4000_g4_trial_units_to_consumers_prior_the_launch-news-11832.php

Android 5.1 Lollipop is now seeding to HTC One (M8) GPE

Android 5.1 Lollipop is now seeding to HTC One (M8) Google Play Edition. The new firmware is seeding to the device over-the-air. The update is a tad larger than 244MB. It brings a host of bug fixes and improvements to the smartphone headed by beefed up security and HD voice support. Other Android 5.1 goodies include the ability control paired Bluetooth devices from Quick Settings. Users can also join Wi-Fi networks in similar fashion. The new firmware will begin seeding to the smartphone in batches. If you are an owner of a Google Play Edition HTC One (M8), head over to your device's settings to check if the update is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/android_51_lollipop_is_now_seeding_to_htc_one_m8_gpe-news-11831.php

Huawei SnapTo is a Moto G rival with a $179.99 price tag

Huawei is about to launch a Motorola Moto G rival in the United States. Priced at $179.99 with no contract, the LTE-capable Huawei SnapTo will launch on Amazon across the Atlantic in a couple of days, on April 9. The Chinese giant's budget smartphone is already available for pre-order on Amazon in black or white color scheme. The retailer has listed the smartphone as Huawei Expo despite the fact that the promo materials point at a SnapTo name. Huawei SnapTo packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset with 1.2GHz Cortex-A7 quad-core CPU and Adreno 305 GPU. There's a gig of RAM and 8GB of expandable memory on board. The device's display is a 5" 720p LCD unit. A 5MP main camera, 2MP front-facing unit, 2,200mAh battery, and full connectivity suite are also among the highlights in the spec sheet. Huawei SnapTo boots Android 4.4 KitKat with Emotion UI...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_snapto_is_a_moto_g_rival_with_a_17999_price_tag-news-11830.php

Alleged photos and video of iPad mini 4 housing leak

Live photos and video footage of an alleged Apple iPad mini 4 housing made the rounds online. The yet to be revealed slate is expected to be a significant improvement over the iPad mini 3 it is bound to replace. The leak comes courtesy of Nowhereelse and is said to be from a reliable source of past tips. It reveals that the upcoming tablet will feature similar design language as the iPad Air 2. The metal housing clearly belongs to a variant of the tablet with cellular network connectivity. A SIM card slot is also visible in the video footage. Apple will likely unveil the iPad mini 4 at some point in the fall this year. We'll keep an eye out for more leaks of the device going forward. Source (in...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/alleged_photos_and_video_of_ipad_mini_4_housing_leak_-news-11829.php

Sony Xperia C4 gets pictured in live image leak

Just yesterday we saw a purported leaked render showing the upcoming Sony Xperia C4, and today we're treated to an alleged live image of the handset. As you can see, this is an actual photo, in which the Xperia C4 is seen in working condition. The design we see here lines up pretty well with what the leaked render from yesterday showed us, so at this point we assume this is in fact a handset in development by Sony. It's not the only new smartphone that Sony is currently working on - the Xperia Z4 and Z4 Ultra are probably in that situation too, along with a device that we currently know only by its codename Lavender. All of these might become official in the near future. The Xperia C4 will be the successor to the Xperia C3, as you may have imagined. Like that phone, it too will focus on selfies, since it has a front-facing LED flash. The C4 has been codenamed Cosmos and its model number will be E53xx. We still don't have leaked specs for the C4, but it should run Lollipop from day one, and Sony is apparently going to offer it in three colors: turquoise, white, and black. Judging by the fact that the C3 was a midranger, we assume its successor will play in the same...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_c4_gets_pictured_in_live_image_leak-news-11827.php

New HTC One M9+ images surface ahead of tomorrow's unveiling

The HTC One M9+ will finally be announced tomorrow at a special event in China, according to previously leaked promo materials. In the meantime however, we're treated to a couple of new images depicting the upcoming smartphone. This may actually be the last M9+ leak before the unveiling, for what it's worth. HTC One M9+ This device has been in the news for many weeks now, through a lot of rumors and leaks, and we've already seen it from all possible angles. It should come with a 5.2-inch QHD touchscreen, 3GB of RAM, and 32GB of expandable built-in storage. Chipset-wise, we might see two different solutions - MediaTek's MT6795 for Asian markets, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 810 for other countries across the world. Anyway, everything should become clear in less than 24...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/new_htc_one_m9_images_surface_ahead_of_tomorrows_unveiling-news-11825.php

ZTE Nubia Z9 will have no side bezels, official confirms

Last month ZTE made the Nubia Z9 Max official alongside the Nubia Z9 Mini, but many have been wondering why the flagship Z9 itself wasn't unveiled. Apparently ZTE is still working on the Nubia Z9, and it's finally due to be announced soon. The smartphone has leaked a lot over the past few months, and many times we've heard it would come with practically no side bezels for the screen. Today this has been more or less confirmed by Ni Fei, general manager of the Nubia line at ZTE. The official said we should expect "no borders" for the display, along with a launch in the near future. Unfortunately no other details have been mentioned, but past rumors did reveal a few things about ZTE's next flagship Nubia-branded handset. It should come with QHD resolution, at least 3GB of RAM, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 810 chipset at the helm. It's still unclear whether you'll ever be able to officially purchase the Nubia Z9 (or the Z9 Max or the Z9 Mini) outside of China. Since its inception, the Nubia brand has catered primarily to the needs of Chinese consumers, but perhaps it would be a good idea for it to truly go international in the future. Source (in Chinese) |...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_nubia_z9_will_have_no_side_bezels_official_confirms-news-11824.php

LG G4 event invitation confirms f/1.8 lens, LED flash, laser focus

The wait is drawing to an end for yet another of this year's major flagship announcements. The LG G4 is coming and invitations for the launch event are more revealing than ever. An official press image of the back camera highlights its lens' aperture - a confirmation of the fast f/1.8, which was already teased in a promo video. Instrumental in capturing images in less than ideal conditions, LG's lens lets in a whole 11% more light than the f/1.9 lens on the Samsung Galaxy S6. The camera is flanked by a dual-tone LED flash and a laser focus sensor on either side, while the familiar volume controls and power button sit beneath. Overall, it's a typical LG G-series aesthetic. What's more eye-catching is the leather, which covers the back. Although it was hinted previously, we now get to see it in what appears to be its final form, surrounding the camera and controls, complete with stitching and all. The unveiling of the new flagship will take place on April 28, with events scheduled to take place in London and New York...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g4_event_invitation_confirms_f_18_lens_led_flash_laser_focus-news-11823.php

The Golden editions of Lumia 930 and Lumia 830 now available

Microsoft officially announced golden versions of the Lumia 930 and Lumia 830 in early January this year, saying they will be available "soon." Well, not quite soon but the Nokia Lumia 930 in Gold is now available from select retailers in Europe, the Middle East, the Asia Pacific and Africa. The Nokia Lumia 930 in Gold comes unlocked. Unfortunately there's no pricing info, but the regular color options are about £360 in the UK and €350 in mainland Europe. The plastic panels can be Black or White, while the metal rim of the phone has a golden hue. The Nokia Lumia 830 Gold Edition is available too, in Black Gold and White Gold. In Germany, for example, it goes for €300. Source 1 (in German) • Source...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/the_golden_editions_of_lumia_930_and_lumia_830_now_available-news-11822.php

Sony Lavender rumored in works with 64-bit MediaTek SoC

Sony is about to introduce yet another mid-range smartphone with interesting set of specifications. The serial leaker upleaks has shared details of an upcoming device codenamed Sony Lavender. Sony Lavender：Model Number E5503, Type Number PM-0861-BV, Software 29.x, FHD Display, MT6752.— @upleaks (@upleaks) April 7, 2015 Bearing the model number E5503, the Sony Lavender is not to be confused with the Sony Cosmos with model number E5306. The new Lavender dubbed smartphone will feature a full 1080p resolution display. Lavender will be powered by the 64-bit octa-core MediaTek MT6752 mobile chipset that will also offer support for 4G LTE networks. By default, it will run Android 5.x Lollipop wrapped in Sony's own...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_lavender_rumoured_in_works_with_64bit_mediatek_soc-news-11821.php

Sony Xperia Z4 Ultra reportedly in the works

Sony has definitely been taking its time with device announcements, most notably the Xperia Z4. The company's eagerly-anticipated flagship has been keeping fans on their toes for a few months now and, judging from what we have already seen, when it does finally arrive, it might be more of a disappointment, than anything else. That being said, a new report hints at another device also in the works, allegedly named Xperia Z4 Ultra. If rumors are true, the device will be a successor, of sorts, the Xperia Z Ultra, which came out in 2013. Display size is said to be around 6 inches, so we can expect a very similar form factor to the aforementioned device, which boasts a rather tablet-like 6.44 inch screen. As far as the rest of the specs sheet goes, the device will allegedly be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 SoC, which is indeed a step above the Snapdragon 800 in the original Z Ultra. On the other hand, the previous Ultra was slightly lower specked than the current Xperia Z3 flagship and if the latest info on the Z4 is to be believed, that would mean the new Z4 Ultra will share the CPU of the upcoming flagship and the bigger screen puts it in kind of a strange position. Industry sources claim that Sony is trying to reduce the number of entry-level devices in its lineup and is rather focusing on the mid to high-end segment. This could very well be the reason for the beefier specs sheet, but honestly, it seems a lot of chaos has settled in Sony's struggling mobile division. But with sales predictions for 2015 set at 38 million, only about a million less than last year, optimism is still present it the Japanese...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z4_ultra_in_reportedly_in_the_works-news-11820.php