vivo adds a Night Purple color to its X21i smartphone, it looks stunning

The vivo X21i is a relatively new device, launched in May this year, but just like most manufacturers, once the hype wears off, the OEM releases a funky new color option for their handset to spark some interest around the handset. vivo X21i in Night Purple So that's why the Chinese company is releasing a stunning new Night Purple flavor for its x21i. Well, we think it's stunning by looking at the press renders and we aren't exactly sure how its back panel will look in real-life. But who doesn't like purple anyway? Keep in mind that the phone is offered only with the 4GB of RAM...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/vivo_adds_a_night_purple_to_its_x21i_smartphone_it_looks_stunning-news-32129.php

Verizon pushes June security patch for the Galaxy Note8, Note5 and S6 edge+

It's that time again. Despite coming a bit too late, June security patch for Galaxy Note8, Note5 and S6 edge+ is now available for Verizon users. The build numbers of the software updates are R16NW.N950USQU4CRF3 for the Note8, NRD90M.N920VVRS3CRF1 for the Note5 and NRD90M.G928VVRS3CRF1 for the S6 edge+. But while the Note5 and the S6 edge+ are getting just the security enhancements, the Note8 users will be happy to hear that the OTA update adds the so-called Auto On feature for WiFi calling. It allows you to receive calls over your home WiFi network, for example, when cellular...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/verizon_pushes_june_security_patch_for_the_galaxy_note8_note5_and_s6_edge-news-32128.php

Meizu 15 review

Fifteen is a pretty big number. Quite the milestone, one might say, from a purely numerical standpoint. Especially for a relatively small company, the likes of Meizu. But going by pure volume can't really be any indication of quality. Experience, perhaps, to some extent. Also, it's fairly obvious that Meizu skipped a few numbers. Actually, it staring out started counting from 15 - a special model, meant to commemorate the company's fifteenth anniversary.

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/meizu_15-review-1787.php

Xiaomi Mi A2 memory and color variants revealed in new report

The upcoming Xiaomi Mi A2 has been the subject of several leaks and rumors so far. From hands-on to leaked images to camera samples, we've seen it all. While the hardware should be same as that of the already announced Mi 6X, software should be stock Android (as part of the Android One program). Now, color and storage variants for the Mi A2 have been revealed, thanks to a new report, which says the device will be available in black, blue, and gold color options. For comparison, Mi A1 color options included black, gold, rose gold, and red. As for memory configurations, the reports...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_a2_storage_and_color_variants_revealed_in_new_report-news-32125.php

MIUI 10 Global Beta 8.7.5 available for eight Xiaomi smartphones

Shortly after Xiaomi released a more detailed timeline along with a list of devices that will surely get the latest MIUI 10, the company released the Globa Beta of the software for its top-tier, mid-range and affordable phones from the last two years or so. The MIUI 10 was announced alongside the Mi 8 but the Global version of the software was announced with the Redmi S2 in India. So most of the Chinese-based Xiaomi phones already started receiving the new Alpha/Beta versions of the overlay, but yesterday, the company rolled out the Global version for eight of its phones too. As...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/miui_10_global_beta_875_available_for_eight_xiaomi_smartphones-news-32127.php

New update rolling out to Sony Xperia XZ1/XZ1 Compact and XZ Premium

Sony has started pushing out a new update to its Xperia XZ1 series as well as XZ Premium smartphones. Arriving as firmware build number 47.1.A.12.235, it's basically a security update that brings along Android fixes for the month of July. Sadly, there's currently no information on what other changes (if any) are included in the update. Given that the roll out has just begun, it may take time for the update notification to pop up on your unit, so be patient. This comes just a few days after Google released the July security update for Pixels and Nexuses. Via

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/new_update_rolling_out_to_sony_xperia_xz1_xz1_compact_and_xz_premium-news-32122.php

Our vivo NEX S video review is up

The vivo NEX S was the most futuristic phone in while, at least until the Find X showed up a couple of weeks ago. The Find X isn't available yet though, unlike the NEX S, and the NEX S we have even reviewed already. Well, now the video review is up too. You can watch Will talk about the one-of-a-kind design with a display that covers the entire front and motorized selfie camera. The less than ideal under-display fingerprint reader gets a mention too, but we're generally more irked by the software experience - admittedly, tailored to the Chinese market. There's not much point going over the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/our_vivo_nex_s_video_review_is_up-news-32124.php

Deal: Get your refurbished Pixels for $200, XL for $230

Yes, the original Pixel phones from Google will soon become two-year-old handsets but that doesn't mean they are obsolete in 2018. No, in fact, the Pixel and Pixel XL have hardware that is still capable and vanilla Android ensuring buttery smooth operation. Very few phones offer slow aging as Google's phones. But that's not all. The benefit of having a Pixel phone is Google's extended software support - you still have at least a year of major Android updates and an even longer period for security patches. And no other maker can beat Google when it comes to the timely fashion of...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/deal_get_your_refurbished_pixels_for_200_xl_for_230-news-32126.php

Wear OS-powered Samsung smartwatch rumored again, to feature blood pressure measurement

Back in May this year, reputed tipster Evan Blass shared that Gear smartwatches running Wear OS were spotted on the wrists of Samsung employees. This fueled rumors of Samsung turning to Google's platform for its future smartwatches. However, a few weeks later, Blass updated that the wearables spotted earlier were just one-offs made by Google, effectively pouring cold water on speculations. However now, it looks like Samsung may have Wear OS plans for its smartwatches after all. According to Ice Universe (who has a solid track record when it comes to Samsung-related leaks), the device...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/wear_os_samsung_smartwatch_rumored_feature_blood_pressure_measurement-news-32121.php

Oppo A5 goes official with 4,230mAh battery, Snapdragon 450, dual camera

Oppo's latest midranger has gone official and it is, after all, the Oppo A5, and not A3s. The TENAA listing gave us most of the details a few days ago, but now it's set in stone. The Oppo A5 comes with a 6.2-inch LCD with a 1,520x720px resolution in a 19:9 aspect ratio. It goes without saying that there's a notch up top. Oppo A5 in blue The chipset in charge is the Snapdragon 450 with its octa-core CPU clocked at 1.8GHz. The official website says 4GB of RAM, but the regulator listing mentioned a 3GB version too - perhaps later on. Internal storage is 64GB with a microSD...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_a5_goes_official_with_4230mah_battery_snapdragon_450_dual_camera-news-32123.php

Shipments begin for Project Fi V35 ThinQ and G7 ThinQ

Last month, pre-orders for the LG V35 ThinQ and G7 ThinQ went live at Google's MVNO cellular service Project Fi. Well, the carrier has announced that both these devices are now available to purchase. Now available on Fi—the "sleek design and sharp display" on the LG V35 ThinQ - @DigitalTrends Go Fi: https://t.co/nX44pZT51M pic.twitter.com/hwneWYgwgM— Project Fi (@projectfi) July 6, 2018 The LG G7 ThinQ is ready when you are and @AndroidAuth said it best themselves: the LG G7 ThinQ is "bright, loud, and smart."Get yours now: https://t.co/xF1vQ6XCHA pic.twitter.com/6tEpV7oX5O—...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/shipments_begin_for_project_fi_v35_thinq_and_g7_thinq-news-32120.php

New midrange Samsung Galaxy J7 Star coming to T-Mobile

A new low-cost device is coming to T-Mobile very soon. The US carrier's website already shows the phone in its entirety - it's the Samsung Galaxy J7 Star. Back in February, Samsung patented the Galaxy J3 Star and J7 Star names. The "Star" will be a suffix to follow the model name like "Prime", "Pro", "Ace". you get the picture. Samsung Galaxy J3 Star arrived to T-Mobile in late-June. In fact, like the J3 Star, the J7 Star supports T-Mobile's Band 71 which lets subscribers access T-Mobile's 600 MHz LTE band, one that offers longer range and better in-building signals. The J7 Star also...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_j7_star_headed_to_t_mobile-news-32119.php

BlackBerry Key2 is now available in Canada

After around a couple of weeks of pre-orders, today the BlackBerry Key2 has become available in Canada, the company's home market. As its name implies, the Key2 is the successor to the KeyOne from last year, and it keeps the dream of an Android-powered smartphone with a QWERTY keyboard alive. The Key2 was officially unveiled about one month ago, and it's started to make its way to various countries and territories ever since. In Canada, you can now purchase one from Bell, Telus, Rogers, and SaskTel. It starts at CAD 95 at Rogers, CAD 99 at Bell and SaskTel, and CAD 100 at Telus - in...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_key2_is_now_available_in_canada-news-32118.php

Apple Music is now "a hair ahead" of Spotify in the US

Back in February, music industry analytics have predicted that Apple Music would have more paying subscribers than Spotify by the end of this year's summer. Well, it didn't take that long because according to industry sources, Apple's music streaming service already has more paying US customers than its rival. Apple de-throned Spotify even though both platforms have a little over 20 million subscribers. Apple is just "a hair ahead" of Spotify while easily leading the pack that includes Tidal and Sirius XM. Thanks to Apple Music's rapid growth in the past year, it will continue...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_music_is_now_a_hair_ahead_of_spotify_in_the_us-news-32113.php

Oppo Find X is coming to India on July 12

The Oppo Find X was announced two weeks ago and became an instant hit due to its unique and innovative design. It has created a lot of buzz lately and people all over the world are wondering when will they be able to buy it. Today, the company announced that it will be offering its flagship phone in India starting July 12. It will carry a premium price tag of $750. On top of that, the Chinese company is planning to out the Lamborghini Edition as well, which is priced at the whopping $1,500.

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_find_x_is_coming_to_india_on_july_12-news-32115.php

HTC revenue keeps falling: June numbers 67% down compared to 2017

HTC posted yet another disappointing monthly result. In June it made an unconsolidated revenue of NT$2.23m (€62m) which is a 67% slump compared to June 2017 when it posted NT$6.89 (€192m). Compared to May's numbers, which were also down from last year's, in June HTC still made 9% less revenue. HTC's 2018 Q2 results show it made an unconsolidated revenue of NT$6.774m (€187m) which is 58% less than same three month period of 2017 - NT$16.136m (€450m). Analysts expect HTC to release fewer new phones this year. The once popular maker sold off its Pixel division to Google and will lay...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/htcs_june_numbers_are_lower_than_may_67_worse_than_june_of_2017-news-32112.php

Belkin launches 10,000 mAh power bank with Lightning input

Power banks come in all shapes and sizes, but most of them have various types of USB ports. Belkin has just announced the launch of its Boost Charge power bank that is Apple-certified and comes with a Lightning input port. This means that you only need one cable to charge the 10,000 mAh power bank and your iPhone, instead of two. Belkin Boost Charge with Lightning input Since the device is targeted at Apple users, Belkin lists 23 compatible iDevices, but we assure you that any smartphone can be charged with the power bank, provided you have the appropriate USB cable. Available...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/belkin_10000_mah_power_bank_lightning_input-news-32111.php

Galaxy S10 tipped to have a side-mounted fingerprint reader, super wide angle lens

We hear lots of crazy stories about the Galaxy S10 lately, but few actually come from credible sources. SamMobile is one of those with a good track record and it now claims to have interesting info about the upcoming trio of Samsung flagships. One states that one of the Galaxy S10 models will have a side-mounted fingerprint and the other report says that the Galaxy S10+ with the triple-camera setup will boast a "super wide angle" lens. Yeah, you've read that right - trio of flagships. There's a rumor going around that the Korean tech giant is planning to introduce three Galaxy S10...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s10_might_have_a_fingerprint_reader_on_the_side_and_a_super_wide_angle_lens-news-32109.php

Apple to completely ditch Intel chips by 2020

Apple and Qualcomm might be entangled in lawsuits and jeopardizing their relations, but the Cupertino company is reportedly looking to drop Intel as a chip manufacturer as well. According to a source, Intel's development of a chip that combines modem, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is halted, and the employees have switched to other projects. Intel executives said Apple was expected to be the key mobile customer of their new component. Although the plans include 2019 and 2020 devices, Intel will still supply the main bulk of chips for this year's iPhones. Although 5G chips in smartphones...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_ditch_intel_chips_2020-news-32105.php

Nokia X6 will begin its global rollout from Hong Kong on July 19

Exciting news for Nokia fans - the Nokia X6 will finally step out of China this month - on July 19. First stop, Hong Kong. After a solid start in its home country, the Nokia X6 gained a lot of traction outside the country, so HMD Global decided that it will release it globally. We've seen some hints here and there but nothing was made official yet. The report comes from an inside source quoted by a major publication in Hong Kong so we have every reason to trust it. In addition, the report reads that the device will launch under a different name - Nokia 6.1 Plus, which will...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_x6_will_begin_its_global_rollout_from_hong_kong_on_july_19-news-32106.php

Retail-ready Xiaomi Mi Max 3 handled on video

Yet another sighting of the Xiaomi Mi Max 3 reaffirms all we've seen until now but it's the first leak in video form. While very short - 03s - the video shows all sides of the phone and all its stickers. On the back there's a dual camera and fingerprint scanner and the screen-protective sticker on the front reveals the name of the Mi Max 3 as well as the 6.9-inch size of the screen, the 12MP + 5MP dual camera and the 5,500mAh battery. We've seen the battery reported as a 5,400mAh unit, but that could be a case of minimal vs typical capacity. As for the screen, we've seen it...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/retailready_xiaomi_mi_max_3_handled_on_video-news-32107.php

Oppo Find X goes on pre-order in the Philippines, stock coming on August 6

Oppo is now accepting pre-orders for the Find X in the Philippines from July 5 to August 1. If you want to register your interest in owning Oppo's finest you'd need to go to one of its Concept stores, provide your details, shell out a non-refundable PHP 5,000 (€80) down payment and return on August 6 to get a spanking new Oppo Find X. The hitch? You'd need to pay the rest of the price for the phone and Oppo isn't yet saying how much that will be. If we take the Chinese price of CNY 4,999 then Filipinos are looking at around PHP 40,000 (€640). But the price may be higher. The...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_find_x_goes_on_preorder_in_the_philippines_will_start_selling_on_august_6-news-32108.php

LG's Q2 of 2018 misses estimates but is still profitable

LG posted a profitable Q2 despite missing the estimates of analysts. In the period from April to June LG has made a profit of KRW 771 billion (€589 million) and turned in a revenue of KRW 15 trillion (€11.4 billion). Operating profit rose 16.1% from the same period last year while revenue rose 3.2% from KRW 14.6 trillion to the aforementioned KRW 15 trillion. Earlier today Samsung reported similar Q2 numbers - around KRW 14.8 trillion (€11.3 billion). Back to LG - analysts expect that higher marketing expenses for new devices like the LG G7 ThinQ weighed down on profit. LG will...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lgs_q2_of_2018_misses_estimates_but_is_still_profitable-news-32102.php

Counterpoint: iPhone 8 is the Top Selling Smartphone for May 2018

The iPhone 8 is the best selling smartphone in May 2018, according to Counterpoint's Market Pulse. Apple devices are dominating the Top 5, with the iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus taking third and fifth place, respectively. Second in the monthly research came the Samsung Galaxy S9+, while the Top 10 is completed by devices from six manufacturers in all price categories. Latest iPhone devices gather 6.8%, while the Galaxy S9 duo is responsible for a 4.9% share of the total sales. In total, one in every nine sold smartphones during May was either an Apple or a Samsung flagship. According...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/counterpoint_iphone_8_is_the_top_selling_smartphone_for_may_2018-news-32099.php

Nokia 5.1 Plus to launch on July 11, SD710 and SD845 Nokias expected in Q3

A leaked photo of a promo poster of the rumored Nokia 5.1 Plus, a.k.a. Nokia X5, has surfaced revealing the launch date of the phone. According to a Baidu post, the device is expected to be announced on July 11 in China with a starting price of CNY 799 ($120) for the 32GB version and CNY 999 ($150) for the 64GB model. Keep in mind, though, that HMD Global usually outs its devices with lower price tag in China, so by the time the phone hits the global market, the price will probably go up. Moreover, the poster confirms the Nokia X5's notched design that we saw from the renders and...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_51_plus_to_launch_on_july_11_sd710_and_sd845_nokias_expected_in_q3-news-32103.php

Nokia 3.1 roll out continues, now available in UAE

The Nokia 3.1 went official back in May and it's rolling across global markets since. Russia was first to get it, followed by Jordan, and more recently, the US. And now, you can add more more market to that list, the UAE, where the handset is available to purchase from Axiom Telecom. Both 16GB and 32GB storage options are listed on Axiom Telecom's website, although only first one is currently available. Price tag is AED 519 ($140). Available color options include blue, black, and white. Source

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_31_roll_out_continues_now_available_in_uae-news-32098.php

Google Inbox app is finally compatible with Apple iPhone X's notch

Inline with the promise it made back in April this year, Google has finally made its Inbox app compatible with the display of the Apple iPhone X. So this means you won't see those ugly black bars on top and bottom any more. A new, 144MB update has been pushed to the app, that bumps the version to 1.3.180617. Changelog says "now supports iPhone X". The feature has been incorporated around nine months after the notch-totting device was launched. Inbox's more popular cousin Gmail already received this compatibility back in December last year. It's worth mentioning that Apple...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_inbox_app_is_finally_compatible_with_apple_iphone_x-news-32101.php

Samsung Q2 earnings guidance shows slowing smartphone business

Samsung smashed records for operating profit seven quarters in a row, but the streak is done, according to the company guidance. The Korean giant just announced its earnings guidance for Q2 2018 - consolidated sales are expected to be approximately KRW58 trillion ($52 billion), while the consolidated operating profit should be around KRW14.8 trillion ($13.25 billion). The estimated numbers fall short of the Q1 2018 results when sales were KRW60.56 trillion ($56.2 billion). Operating profit was an all-time record, reaching KRW15.64 trillion ($14.5 billion). According to analysts,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_q2_2018_guidance-news-32100.php

Samsung launches Galaxy Jean, a rebranded Galaxy A6+ (2018)

After launching the Galaxy A6 (2018), Samsung has launched a new smartphone in its home country of South Korea. Dubbed Galaxy Jean, the handset is a re-branded version of Galaxy A6+ (2018) that was released back in May this year. The phone's listing on the company's South Korean website itself confirms its A6+ - even the model number matches that of the standard A6+. The smartphone is available through carrier KT in the country, which is selling it for KRW 440,000 (around $395 currently). Available color options include lavender and black. The only major difference between Galaxy...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_launches_galaxy_jean_a_rebranded_galaxy_a6_2018-news-32097.php

Google Duplex Assistant could replace call centers, report says

A new report from The Information claims that some large companies are in the very early stages of testing Google's natural language voice assistant, Duplex, to be used in corporate applications such as in call centers to answer customer service questions. This report comes during a time when the cloud-based customer call-center industry is increasingly growing one that raked in $6.8 billion last year with no signs of slowing down. In fact, the industry is forecasted to reach $20.9 billion by 20222 and companies that are already in this industry include Amazon, IBM, Microsoft, Cisco,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_duplex_could_replace_call_centers_report_says-news-32096.php

BlackBerry Ghost might have a large 4,000 mAh battery

A recently rumored BlackBerry device has been tipped by leakster Evan Blass to have a hefty 4,000 mAh battery in store. The device in question is the BlackBerry Ghost - a high-end and supposedly bezel-less BlackBerry device to be released exclusively in India. Its existence was first leaked in February and it is slated to be released sometime in the summer. Batteries this large are almost never found in flagship-level devices - batteries this size are usually seen in mid-tier handsets. Apparently a battery this large would be among the largest in a flagship-class device - which says a lot...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/blackberry_ghost_might_have_a_large_4000_mah_battery-news-32095.php

Apple releases iOS 12 public beta 2

Apple has released the second public beta for iOS shortly after the third developer beta. That's because the public betas are just the last developer beta, so public beta 2 is just developer beta 3 as public beta 1 was developer beta 2. This means you can expect to see the same changes if you're on the public beta channel. Apple doesn't release an update log for these but users have reported fixes to GPS and CarPlay bugs along with other assorted bug fixes and performance updates. Apple also released the second public beta for tvOS alongside. Both updates are now available for...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_releases_ios_12_public_beta_2-news-32094.php

Asphalt 9: Legends now up for pre-registration on the Play Store

Gameloft's upcoming game in the long running Asphalt series is now up for pre-register. Those on Android can now head over to the Play Store and register for Asphalt 9: Legends and when the game goes live later this year in summer, users will automatically get a notification. Alternatively, you can also head over to Gameloft's website and register from there. You will have to give up your email ID for that but in return you will get some additional in-game items when the game goes live. The game has been available in some markets for some time now through a soft launch. The iOS...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/asphalt_9_legends_now_up_for_preregistration_on_the_play_store-news-32093.php

vivo NEX S goes on sale again tomorrow

vivo's almost-bezelless NEX S took the world by storm in the past few weeks, and it's been almost impossible to find it in stock in China (it's only available there for now). But that will thankfully change tomorrow. So if you've been waiting for the opportunity to order a NEX S with 8GB of RAM and either 128 or 256GB of storage, make sure you act fast tomorrow. The phone retails for CNY 4,498 ($677 or €578) or CNY 4,998 ($752 or €643) depending on which amount of storage you need. On the other hand, the NEX A with lower specs is pretty easy to find so you could even purchase one today....

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/vivo_nex_s_goes_on_sale_again_tomorrow-news-32092.php

Huawei TalkBand B5 leaks in press render

Huawei is apparently getting ready to introduce a new 2-in-1 wearable, the TalkBand B5. This was leaked today in the official-looking press render you can see below, which comes courtesy of Evan Blass, a.k.a. @evleaks. The TalkBand B5 feels like it will be the successor to the TalkBand B3 from two years ago. You can use it as a fitness tracker, but as evidenced by the image the 'core' is detachable - and when you pop it out of the band it becomes a single-ear Bluetooth headset which you can take calls on. Hence, the name TalkBand is pretty descriptive. Unfortunately no specs have...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_talkband_b5_leaks_in_press_render-news-32091.php

LG patents a smart pen with flexible display

In the latest episode of "Bizarre Inventions," LG is patenting a smart stylus pen that can potentially replace your phone. Yes, we know what you think, but upon closer inspection the Korean company might be up to something here. The key feature of the stylus are its two displays. It incorporates a small one for app shortcuts, notifications and time while the bigger one is a of the flexible variety. A dedicated button rolls out and retracts the display so you can use it as a conventional smartphone when needed. It can run all the regular apps and can even be used for browsing and...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_patents_a_smart_pen_with_rollable_display-news-32090.php

Samsung gets patent for 3D face recognition, Galaxy S10 might benefit from it

The US Patent Office document from 2014 reveals that Samsung was onto 3D facial recognition long before Apple released its revolutionary iPhone X. Now, the Korean company finally received the patent and can use it for its upcoming devices. But don't get your hopes too high as the tech comes a bit too late to be used in the upcoming Galaxy Note9. It might be just in time for a debut in early 2019 when Samsung is reportedly going to release a foldable Galaxy X device and later on its mainstream flagship, the Galaxy S10. It's not the first time we hear about this. A recent report...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gets_patent_filed_in_2014_for_3d_face_recognition_galaxy_s10_to_feature_it-news-32085.php

Sony details its contributions to smartphone innovation in cool infographic

Even though Sony's mobile business isn't doing well in recent times, the rest of its ventures, like the PlayStation division and its Sony Music business, are keeping the company in great health. But this wasn't always the case and that has never stopped the mobile business from releasing innovative handsets. So Japanese tech giant has made a cool infographic to remind you of its achievements over the years. Starting with the distant Xperia Z, which was the first truly water and dust proof smartphone in the world as in had the highest level of water resistance. The 2013 device was IP55 and...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/infographic_shows_sonys_contribution_to_smartphone_innovation-news-32087.php

6.1-inch iPhone will cost $700 and come in grey, white, blue, red and orange

According to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo Apple will offer the 6.1-inch iPhone in Blue, Red, Grey, White and Orange and price it at $700. This means that Apple will introduce new Blue and Gold colors, assuming the Grey refers to the current Space Grey and White refers to the current Silver and Red is the Product (Red). It could also mean that Apple will release a standard Red variant of its 6.1-inch iPhone and not a Product (Red) one. According to Mr. Kuo the 6.5-inch iPhone will match the price of the current iPhone X - $1000 - which could push the upcoming...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/61inch_iphone_will_cost_700_and_come_in_grey_white_blue_red_and_orange-news-32089.php

Samsung Android Go device gets Wi-Fi certified

The entry-level Samsung device with trimmed down Samsung Experience UI that leaked two days ago has just received Wi-Fi certification from the Wi-Fi Alliance. The phone with a model number SM-J260G/DS that will allegedly sell as Galaxy J2 Core will have Android 8.1 and will only support 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. The Android version matches the lite Go version, but as we seen previously, the UI might not be stock after all. If the Galaxy J2 Core doesn't come with the pure Android OS, it will become the first skinned Android Go phone. Samsung's Android Go device with Samsung...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_android_go_device_gets_wifi_certified-news-32084.php

DxO Mark gives the Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra an overall score of 75

DxO Mark has completed its review of the Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra, released way back in February, and given it an overall score of 75. That's not a lot and puts the Xperia XA2 Ultra just below the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018). That's not where you'd expect a 23MP camera with a big 1/2.3" sensor to be. In its detailed report DxO praised the Xperia XA2 Ultra for its good exposure, pleasant color rendition with a flash and low noise in textured areas. But it took points away for the varying detail levels, noise in monotone areas and limited dynamic range. The photo score of 75 was higher than...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/dxo_mark_gives_the_sony_xperia_xa2_ultra_a_75_overall_score-news-32083.php

ZTE changes CEO to comply with US deal

ZTE received a month-long pardon for its business operations in the United States in the beginning of the week. To comply with the US deal, the company was required to reprimand 35 high-ranked officers, including a total overhaul of the board of directors. Today ZTE removed its CEO and appointed the former ZTE Germany director Xu Ziyang as the new leader. The report from Wall Street Journal says two more key employees were removed - the CFO and the head of human resources. They are the latest additions of Team Disgrace and join three vice presidents and heads of legal, finance and...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/zte_changes_ceo_to_comply_with_us_deal-news-32081.php

QWERTY-packing JioPhone 2 unveiled, it and the Nokia 8110 4G are getting WhatsApp

The JioPhone 2 was just unveiled - an INR 3,000 ($44/€37) phone with a hardware QWERTY keyboard and KaiOS (the Firefox-based featurephone platform). The phone will be available from August 15 with WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube apps out of the box. The connectivity features of the handset are quite impressive. It's a dual-SIM phone with VoLTE and VoWi-Fi support, it has 150Mbps LTE, GPS, NFC, Bluetooth LE, Wi-Fi and FM radio. The rest of the JioPhone 2 hardware is nothing special. It has a 2.4" QVGA screen, D-pad and a QWERTY. It's powered by a dual-core processor with 512MB of RAM...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/qwertypacking_jiophone_2_unveiled_it_and_the_nokia_8110_4g_are_getting_whatsapp-news-32082.php

Xiaomi Mi Mix 3's latest live image shows no chin and extremely thin bezels

Information about the Xiaomi's next full-screen smartphone has been scarce but for the last two days, a leaked promotional poster and a live image of the phone itself revealed quite a lot about it. Looking at the photo, we clearly see that the Mi Mix 3 will bring the full-screen experience to a whole new level by removing the chin and cramming up the earpiece on the top bezel like on the Mi Mix 2S. It looks like Apple isn't the only one to figure out how to get rid of the bottom bezel in the iPhone X And as far as the front-facing camera goes, it will pop up like the vivo NEX's. If...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_mix_3s_latest_live_image_shows_no_chin_and_extremely_thin_bezels-news-32080.php

Samsung and ARM partner up for 7nm 3GHz Cortex-A76 processors

Samsung Foundry and ARM have announced a partnership to build chipsets based on the Cortex-A76 core at a 7nm LPP process and later moving to 5nm LPE. These chips will have CPU clock speeds beyond 3 GHz. The initial production run for the 7nm chips is slated for the second half of 2018. Meanwhile, development of the first Extreme Ultra Violet (EUV) lithography process is under way and should be done by the first half of 2019. This will enable 5nm chips that will be smaller and more power efficient than their 7nm counterparts. ARM claimed that an A76 core at 3.0GHz (7nm) will be 35%...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_and_arm_partner_up_for_7nm_cortexa76_processors_running_at_3_ghz-news-32079.php

Samsung could unveil the foldable Galaxy X at CES, Galaxy S10 at the MWC

The Mobile World Congress has historically been the home of Galaxy S unveilings while IFA is where we welcome the new Galaxy Note. Rumor has it that Samsung is adding one more stop next year - the Galaxy X will be unveiled at CES. Next year CES will officially start on January 8, so the champagne bottles from New Year's Eve will still be half full. This year Samsung unveiled the Exynos 9810 chipset, but its CES presence was focused on TVs, laptops, SmartThings and, yes, Bixby. The Samsung Galaxy X is the mythical foldable phone. Its screen will go from 4.5" to 7.3" when unfolded. Even...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_could_unveil_the_foldable_galaxy_x_at_ces_galaxy_s10_at_the_mwc-news-32078.php

Check out the first Xiaomi Mi A2 camera sample

Xiaomi introduced the Mi 6X in China and the phone is already available for purchase with its MIUI 9.5 and AI dual camera. Global fans, though, are still waiting for the Mi A2 with stock Android that will be on sale outside the company's homeland. Earlier we saw the About page of the phone and now a camera sample leaked on the Spanish section of the Mi forum, giving us a glimpse of its performance before its official launch. Click to enlarge the Xiaomi Mi A2 camera sample The photo of the unknown landscape comes with 12 MP resolution in 4:3 ratio. It seems to be taken at the end...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/check_out_first_camera_sample_xiaomi_mi_a2-news-32077.php

Oppo A3s specs unveiled

Oppo introduced the entry-level A3 back in April, later followed by Realme 1 that has similar specs, but less impressive display and camera. Now another affordable phone is on its way and its called Oppo A3s. It looks like a trimmed down version, but it has dual camera setup and a massive battery. The phone is said to come with a Snapdragon 450 chipset that comes with octa-core CPU at 1.8 GHz and Adreno 506 GPU. RAM and storage are not listed, but the source says the OS will be ColorOS 5.1 on top of the Android Oreo 8.1. The Oppo A3s dual camera setup is listed as 13 MP + 2 MP,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_a3s_specs_unveiled-news-32075.php

Nokia TA-1119 and TA-1087 get certified in Russia

A couple of unannounced Nokia smartphones have been certified in Russia. The devices in question carry model numbers TA-1119 and TA-1087 and have been certified by Russia's Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC). Sadly, not much is known about these devices at the moment, but given that they have started collecting certifications, we expect to hear more about them soon. Recently, there were reports HMD is working on a Nokia 9. Rumored specs/features for the device include a fingerprint reader under the display, a more advanced camera, and Snapdragon 845 SoC. Via

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_ta1119_and_ta1087_get_certified_in_russia-news-32072.php

Xiaomi Mi Max 3 back panel leaks, humongous battery incoming

The release date of Xiaomi's phablet, the Mi Max 3 is rapidly approaching as evident by the CEO's teaser this week so we are naturally also seeing an increase in leaks. The latest one comes in the form of a live photo of the back panel. It confirms the previously rumored design with dual camera sensors on the back and rear-mounted fingerprint. There's also a second photo giving us a good look of how the device will look inside and hints at a humongous battery, as you can see from the cutout. Just like its predecessors, the battery capacity is expected to be the device's key...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_max_3_back_panel_leaks_humongous_battery_incoming-news-32076.php