iPhone XR's build quality is on par with the XS, durability test reveals

The new iPhone XR is out on the street and as expected all kinds of reviews, teardowns and durability tests have come along with it. The latest durability test from JerryRigEverything is here to reveal a somewhat predictable turn of events. Sure, the iPhone XR might be affordable to Apple's standard but with a price tag of $750, we can only treat it as a high-end smartphone. And luckily, its build quality proves it is in fact a high-quality device. Except for the small fact that Apple still advertises sapphire glass on its camera lens while it clearly isn't. The good news is that...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_xrs_build_quality_is_on_par_with_the_xs_durability_test_reveals-news-33942.php

Microsoft switches seats with Amazon as the second most valuable US company

Microsoft just regained its position as the second most valuable US company by market capitalization after losing it to Amazon back in April this year. The news comes after Microsoft reported good quarterly profit driven by its cloud computing business whereas Amazon lost $65 billion off of its market cap. Apple still tops the charts with over $1 trillion value followed by Microsoft and Amazon. The latter's shares dropped 7% after missing targets on its holiday season sales. Microsoft is now valued at $823 billion - well above the $805 billion market cap of Amazon. Apple is going to...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_switches_seat_with_amazon_as_the_second_most_valuable_us_company-news-33941.php

dbrand is gearing up for the OnePlus 6T release

If you are into protective gear for smartphones, the chances are you've heard about dbrand skins. And even though the OnePlus 6T isn't out yet, the company is already offering its customizable kits for the handset ahead of the official launch on Monday. 6T skins - perfect for eliminating the fingerprint sensor on your 6.https://t.co/hB77wessCX pic.twitter.com/1Aaz1d4Llo— dbrand (@dbrand) October 26, 2018 The OnePlus 6 had a serious issue with the grip and dbrand knows that. Going by the latest rumors, the phone will be available in new colors but the main ones from earlier this year -...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/dbrand_is_gearing_up_for_the_oneplus_6t_release-news-33940.php

The iPhone XR gets the iFixit treatment

iFixit is out with another teardown and unsurprisingly, it's about the newly released "budget" iPhone XR. There's a video going through the process of disassembling the handset and also a full step-by-step guide at the source link below. But you are probably here to see how easy it is to repair it if the screen gets damaged or the battery dies after some time. Well, the good news is that Apple continues to make the screen and battery repairs a priority and just like the iPhone XS and XS Max, the XR's front panel can be popped off without needing to detach the Face ID...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/the_iphone_xr_gets_the_ifixit_treatment-news-33938.php

October Android distribution: Oreo grows and still no Pie

Three months after the stable release of Android Pie and it still doesn't show in the monthly stats. However, Oreo is on the rise since September while Nougat numbers are falling. Perhaps more OEMs are updating their devices to Oreo or the new device releases in the mid-range and low-end segment have pushed Oreo numbers up a little. If you haven't noticed, most of the new releases for the past couple of months come with Android 8.1 or 8.0 Oreo out of the box. The rest of the Android versions such as Lollipop, Marshmallow, KitKat and Jelly Bean hover around the same percentages with...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/android_distribution_for_october_oreo_grows_and_still_no_pie-news-33937.php

Google moves to discontinue voice unlock on Android

According to an APK teardown performed by 9to5Google, the option to "Unlock with Voice Match" is slowly being depreciated. The first indication of this was the omission of the aforementioned option on the Google Pixel 3 duo. The Google App version 8.39 for Android has a string of text that reveals the upcoming change. The Voice Match to unlock feature you've been using has been replaced with a more secure way to get personal results while your device is locked. You can change this in your Assistant settings. This feature has been around for a while now. The idea is that Google learns...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_moves_to_discontinue_voice_unlock_on_android-news-33936.php

Huawei unveils new AI speaker for Chinese market

Today, Huawei held its Mate 20 event in China where the company announced a new product aimed at the Chinese market. The product is Huawei's AI Speaker (translation from Chinese) which looks strikingly similar to an Apple product: the HomePod: a highly-priced Siri-powered speaker that launched with limited functionality. Huawei did announce another smart speaker during IFA. The AI Cube is a taller Google Home look-alike, but this is a product aimed at the European market and is powered by Amazon Alexa. The AI Speaker is powered by a Chinese voice assistant called...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_unveils_new_ai_speaker_for_chinese_market-news-33935.php

Xiaomi: Mi Mix 3's camera software is coming to the Mi Mix 2S and Mi 8

Xiaomi's Mi Mix 3, which debuted yesterday mostly made headlines for its slider design, but it's also carrying Xiaomi's most capable dual-camera setup yet. These claims were further backed up by an immediate DxOMark review of the phone which put it on par with the Samsung Galaxy Note9 and the HTC U12+. And since the new Mi Mix 3 features the same camera modules that the Mi Mix 2S and the Mi 8 use, the company will be updating the latter two with the new more optimized processing from the Mi Mix 3. There's a reason for the Mi 8 and Mi Mix 2S owners to rejoice! Xiaomi's co-founder,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_mix_3s_camera_software_is_coming_to_the_mi_mix_2s_and_mi_8-news-33933.php

Huawei takes a clear shot at Apple and Samsung for slowing down their phones

After the Italian Competition Authority fined Apple and Samsung for intentionally slowing down phones, Huawei seized the moment and trolled both of its direct rivals in a recent tweet. We would never slow our phones down to force an upgrade. We're proud our new #HuaweiMate20Pro is #BornFastStaysFast - just like every other phone in our range. #NeverSlowDown Learn more now > https://t.co/Fn1ADt5VBW pic.twitter.com/AJihfosqAM— Huawei Mobile UK (@HuaweiMobileUK) October 25, 2018 It's not the first time the company bragged about keeping its devices fast and responsive over time. During...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_takes_a_clear_shot_at_apple_and_samsung_for_slowing_down_their_phones-news-33928.php

Huawei launches Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro in China with a twist

Today Huawei officially brought its Mate 20 series to the Chinese market. The Huawei Mate 20 will go on sale in 6GG+64GB version for CNY 4,000 (€500) and 6GB+128GB priced at CNY 4,500 (€570). Interestingly, Huawei will offer the Mate 20 Pro without a fingerprint scanner with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for CNY 5,400 (€680). The Huawei Mate 20 Pro (UD) matches what other markets get and will retail at CNY 6,000 (€760) for a 8GB+128GB model and CNY 6,800 (€860) for the range-topping 8GB+256GB variant. The gargantuan Huawei Mate 20 X will go for CNY 5,000 (€630) and CNY 6,000...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_launches_mate_20_pro_without_indisplay_fingerprint_scanner_in_china-news-33932.php

Cleaner Samsung Experience 10 running on Galaxy S9+ leaks in screenshots

A slew of new screenshots have surfaced, showing what changes Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ and Galaxy Note9 owners will see with the Android 9.0 Pie update. Android Pie on flagship Samsung phones will come with Samsung Experience 10, which will be a mashup of legacy Samsung style and Google's own styling in Android Pie. Samsung will introduce a new system-wide typeface with a rounder look (similar to Google's own Product Sans), the notification shade with rounded icons and the app switching interface are also sticking closer to the stock Android. Samsung Experience 10 on...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/cleaner_samsung_experience_10_running_on_galaxy_s9_leaks_in_screenshots-news-33930.php

Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 camera samples: a day tour of Beijing

We took the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 on a photo tour around Beijing. We made the best of the day and tested both the main camera and the telephoto camera. We used the AI mode throughout the day and out first impression of it is that we'd just leave it on. Most of the time it made only subtle differences, but more importantly it didn't mess up. So, here are a few shots with the main 12MP camera, starting at a Mars-themed exhibition by Xiaomi at the Bird's Nest. We also shot some photos in the streets (in the shadows of buildings) and indoors, so we covered various lighting...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_mix_3_camera_samples-news-33927.php

Apple stores now stocking iPhone XR but pre-ordering is still smarter

Today is the day the iPhone XR starts to fill the shelves in Apple stores but you're still not guaranteed a pickup. Many stores will have the phone stocked but not all. Several of Apple's online stores still list the XR as unavailable for local pickup. But a deeper dive leads to stores with available iPhone XR stock. If you pre-order the iPhone XR through Apple's website it will be delivered in 3 to 5 business days. To the disappointment of many hardcore Apple fans, Apple still doesn't offer an official case for the iPhone XR, neither online nor in store. An official clear case...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_stores_now_stocking_iphone_xr_but_preordering_is_till_smarter-news-33926.php

Oppo A7 leak confirms that's it's actually the re-badged Realme 2

The Oppo A7 has been in the rumor mill for some time now, so the latest leak doesn't come as a surprise - it just confirms what we've been reading all along but also showcases the handset in gold color. Specs and design match the Realme 2 closely, so the Oppo A7 might just be a re-branded version for the Chinese market. We've got the same 6.2-inch HD+ (720 x 1520) IPS panel with a waterdrop notch, Snapdragon 450 chipset running the show paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of memory. The camera setup on the back consists of a 13MP primary sensor and a secondary 2MP one for depth sensing...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_a7_leak_confirms_thats_its_actually_the_rebadged_realme_2-news-33925.php

Xiaomi coming in strong in the UK with a new store and products in November

Xiaomi opened up an official UK Twitter account on October 1 which brought a lot of excitement to fans of the brand. It was a clear sign that the Chinese company has big plans for the UK and now Xiaomi finally shed some more light. The firm just confirmed that it's opening up an official Xiaomi store on November 10 in White City's Westfield shopping center, which so happens to be the largest shopping mall in the UK. In addition, Xiaomi teased a that a new flagship will step on UK soil and will bring over some friends too. Most of those would be home devices and perhaps the electric scooter...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_coming_in_strong_in_the_uk_with_a_new_store_and_products_in_november-news-33922.php

Our Realme 2 Pro video review is up

Realme released four phones this year each competing in the over-saturated budget segment in India but the Realme 2 Pro stands out as the most capable of them all blurring the line between low-end and mid-range. The phone follows the recent trend of waterdrop notches and has significantly more powerful internals than its siblings - the Realme 1 and Realme 2. If you are on the market for a cheap but capable smartphone, take the time to watch our full video review and hear what Angie has to say about this budget gem. And if you are looking for more details, read our full review as...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/our_realme_2_pro_video_review_is_up-news-33919.php

Samsung's Galaxy S10 trio and foldable phone detailed in insider report

Samsung's plans for the early part of 2019 have been detailed by company insiders, who spoke to Bloomberg. The report reveals that Samsung is working on three Galaxy S10 devices, one of which could be a 5G-ready phone, and planning to finally show off its new foldable smartphone. The Galaxy S10 lineup will consist of three phones. A 5.8-inch Galaxy S10 with dual-curved AMOLED screen, triple cameras on the back (regular, ultra-wide and telephoto), in-display fingerprint scanner and an under the display selfie camera. There Plus model will be essentially the same, but with a larger...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/three_samsung_galaxy_s10s_and_foldable_phone_detailed_in_inside_report-news-33920.php

OnePlus 6T full specs leak days ahead of the announcement

Well, the OnePlus 6T isn't exactly the most secretive phone out there as recent leaks revealed pretty much everything there is to know. However, the specs sheet that popped up on Twitter fills in the gaps, confirms what we've already suspected and sheds light on some minor details. Here's the full specs sheet. OnePlus 6T full specs and dimensions Right off the bat, we see that the new model is about 2mm taller than the OnePlus 6, slightly narrower and a tad thicker but in exchange offers more battery and bigger screen. The minimalist notch will surely give you more screen real...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_6t_leaks_in_full_leaves_nothing_to_the_imagination-news-33918.php

Fresh renders show the Honor Magic 2 in three gradient colors

Honor, Huawei's sub brand, is gearing up to release the Honor Magic 2 on October 31 but there will not be that much left to reveal by the time the announcement comes. The latest leak leaves almost nothing to the imagination. It features press renders of the Honor Magic 2 in three gradient colors - Silver, Blue and Pink - and from all sides, showing the slide out mechanism of the phone. We can clearly see the triple camera on the rear - expected to consist of a regular 16MP camera, a black and white 24MP camera and a 16MP telephoto camera. Sliding out, on the front, there's another...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/fresh_renders_show_the_honor_magic_2_in_three_gradient_colors-news-33917.php

Google discontinues Android's Nearby Notifications feature

A few years ago, Android got a new feature that showed you notifications based on your location and what was around you. For example, today, I went to the barber shop to get a haircut and received a notification with information about the Walmart across the street. Okay, so that example was not good. That's because the feature often sent me notifications about a location nearby or the nearest store when I was visiting a friend's house. However, the main reason that Google is discontinuing Nearby Notifications is that developers began abusing the platform and used it to send spammy alerts...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_discontinues_androids_nearby_notifications_feature_-news-33916.php

Huawei erects AI-powered Rubik's Cube in London to celebrate the Mate 20 launch

Huawei announced the Mate 20 Pro last week in London and to celebrate, Huawei has erected a large, digital version of a classic puzzle game: the Rubik's Cube. The idea is to demonstrate the power of Huawei's NPU, which minimizes the energy and time required to make large calculations. To solve the puzzle, a player must use the app on a Mate 20 Pro in front of the giant Cube. "Each move is passed through the AI model and algorithms to give the user hints, via the app, about what the best next move is." Puzzle cubes have caused debate amongst mathematicians for decades, with numerous...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_erects_aipowered_rubiks_cube_in_london_to_celebrate_the_mate_20_launch-news-33915.php

Xiaomi updates its Android update rollout schedule

Xiaomi just published a list of devices that are getting Android Pie or Android Oreo in Q4 this year. The phones in the list will be receiving at least the beta version of the software and with enough luck, will get the stable release until the end of 2018. First to get you up to speed - most of the handsets from this list are already on Oreo while the Mi Mix 2S, Mi 8 and Mi 8 Explorer are running Pie. What's important here is that the Mi 5s Plus' Oreo update appears to be delayed due to unresolved software issues while the Redmi 5, 5A, 5 Plus and Mi 5X are due for an Oreo update...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_updates_its_rollout_schedule_of_android_pie_and_oreo_for_q4_2018-news-33912.php

Mobvoi TicWatch C2 unveiled: $200 Wear OS watch with almost everything

Mobvoi just unveiled the TicWatch C2, a sequel to the TicWatch 2. It's a Wear OS timepiece that includes most of the features you might want from a smartwatch while keeping the price in check. You can pre-order it right now at $200/€200, it will ship on December 6. The TicWatch C2 has a 1.3" AMOLED screen (360 x 360px), which fits inside a fairly small case - 42.8mm. For comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Watch has a similar 1.3" screen in a 46mm case. It's a stainless steel case, by the way that measures 13.1mm or 12.8mm. The Rose Gold version is the slimmer one and it also uses 18mm...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/mobvoi_ticwatch_c2_unveiled_200_wear_os_watch_with_almost_everything-news-33913.php

Realme to release a Helio P70-powered phone soon

The Helio P70 has its first customer - Realme has reportedly picked the new AI-focused chipset for upcoming models. The original (launched just a few months ago) used the Helio P60. The P70 adds 100MHz to the clock speeds of the four big Cortex-A73 cores and also the Mali-G72 MP3 GPU. It also claims 10-30% faster AI performance and improved camera hardware - for example, it can render bokeh at 24fps. It has more advanced power-saving features as well. Helio P70 infographic The second crop of Realme phones - used Snapdragon 450 (Realme 2 and Realme C1) as well as Snapdragon 660...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/realme_will_use_the_helio_p70_in_upcoming_phones-news-33910.php

Meizu Note 8 unveiled with a 6" screen, dual camera and a 3,600mAh battery

The Meizu Note 8 was just unveiled as an affordable alternative to the X8. It offers the same dual camera on its back, a slightly smaller screen, slightly bigger battery and the price tag was cut down by a third. You can reserve a Note 8 today at CNY 1,300 ($185/€165), sales will start on November 1. The phone has a metal body available in four colors. It houses a 6" notch-free screen with an 18:9 aspect ratio and 1,080 x 2,160px resolution. It should deliver 450 nits of brightness and 1,500:1 contrast ratio. Meizu Note 8 in four colors The Meizu Note 8 has a dual camera on...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/meizu_note_8_unveiled_with_a_6_screen_solid_dual_camera_and_a_3600mah_battery-news-33914.php

Razer Phone 2 gets scratched, bent and burnt, lives to tell the tale

In his latest durability test, Zack from JerryRigEverything gives the Razer Phone 2 the scratch, burn and bend test and the blocky phone passed without losing its structural integrity. There wasn't anything surprising in the video. The screen scratched like all other Gorilla Glass screens out there - at a level 6. The razor revealed the Razer Phone 2's silver aluminum skin underneath the black anodization. And finally the phone barely budged when it was exposed to the bend test. When the LCD came under the lighter's flame it turned off but recovered fully within seconds. Here's the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/razer_phone_2_gets_scratched_bent_and_burnt_lives_to_tell_the_tale-news-33911.php

Xiaomi Mi A2 with 6GB/128GB memory appears in India

Xiaomi's Android One-powered Mi A2 launched in India back in August but the beefed-up version with 6GB of RAM and 128GB only now makes it to the sub-continent. Xiaomi silently listed the smartphone on the official Indian online store with a price tag of INR 19,999 ($273) and without the Rose Gold color option. Actual shipment dates are yet to be confirmed, but you can sign up for a notification email when the phone is in stock. Chances are it's not going to take long now. Source | Via

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_a2_with_6gb_128gb_memory_now_listed_on_mi_online_store_india-news-33909.php

Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 hands-on review

Until web content can be beamed directly into our brains, we'll need screens - the bigger, the better. The 6.39" screen of the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 is certainly pretty big, almost as big as the original. But size isn't the only thing that makes it "good".

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_mix_3_handson-review-1844.php

Counterpoint: OnePlus was the best-selling $400+ phone in India in Q3

For the second consecutive quarter, OnePlus came out on top in the Indian premium smartphone market with 30% share in the above INR 30,000 ($400) segment beating Samsung and Apple. The top three manufacturers secured 83% of the overall premium sales, which is 5% down from last quarter and the new players in town are to blame - Oppo Find X, vivo NEX S, Asus Zenfone 5z, LG G7 ThinQ and Huawei nova 3. The new exclusive offline and online store deals, the effective marketing campaign and the positive word of mouth propelled OnePlus to the top position with great OnePlus 6 sales....

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_is_still_the_bestselling_premium_brand_in_india-news-33908.php

Cases reveal Sony Xperia XA3 and XA3 Ultra with dual rear cameras

Rumors about the Xperia XA3 and XA3 Ultra started coming in a few months ago but we got a clear look at both just this month revealing a dual-camera setup on the back and fairly thin bezels all-around. Today's renders come from a Chinese case maker that also confirms that both handsets will offer dual cameras. Xperia XA3 Ultra • Xperia XA3 There are a couple of listings on AliExpress for cases for the phones, suggesting that their launch may not be too far now. Of course, cases makers only have dimensions and places of functional elements to work with so the design might be...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/case_maker_envisions_the_xa3_and_xa3_ultra_with_dualcamera_setups_on_the_back-news-33906.php

LG Q3 report: profits increase as smartphones lose less money

LG kept its tradition to introduce its financial results on the last Thursday of the month, following the end of a quarter, and the numbers look good. The Korean company made a profit KRW748.8 billion ($668 million), which is the best quarter in 2018. The black sheep in the family is the Mobile Communications division which keeps bleeding money and is the department that had the most significant operating loss - KRW146.3 billion ($130.5 million), after recording sales of KRW2.04 trillion ($1.82 billion). LG recognized its mistake this time last year and changed its Mobile...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_q3_2018_results-news-33905.php

OnePlus 6T to arrive as Souq Exclusive in the Middle East

OnePlus and Souq.com announced today their partnership for the upcoming sales of the OnePlus 6T UAE. The new phone will be Souq Exclusive, similar to what the parent company Amazon will offer to OnePlus customers in India. The event was held by Pete Lau, CEO and founder of OnePlus, who confirmed some of the specs like Snapdragon 845 chipset, the in-built fingerprint sensor under the AMOLED screen and Android Pie out of the box. The official unveiling is on October 29, while the phone will be up for pre-order on the retailer website on October 31. Souq.com currently delivers to...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_6t_souq_exclusive_middle_east-news-33907.php

Nokia and Samsung extend their patent license agreement

Nokia just announced that it's renewing its patent license agreement with Samsung and will be allowing the latter to use its patents for multiple more years. The current agreement will expire at the end of 2018 as it was signed 5 years ago. The period of the new contract hasn't been specified as all terms of the agreement remain confidential between the two parties. According to Nokia's Chief Legal Officer's statement, this time around, the license agreement doesn't just cover phone patents but 5G network-related cellular standards as well. Samsung is a leader in the smartphone...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_and_samsung_extend_their_license_agreement_starting_2019-news-33904.php

Lenovo's VP confirms - the Lenovo Z5 Pro coming on November 1

Lenovo is looking to redeem itself with a true flagship smartphone after the Z5 debacle and will be announcing it on November 1. This is as official as it gets because it comes for the company's vice president. In a Weibo post, Chang Cheng published a teaser poster confirming the slide-out camera mechanism and a full-screen display. The sketch is accompanied by Lenovo's mobile division new slogan. The Lenovo Z5 Pro is still one big mystery - the only solid intel we have on the handset is its quad-camera setup on the back capable of 2x telephoto zoom and a few camera samples...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lenovos_vp_confirms__the_lenovo_z5_pro_coming_on_november_1-news-33903.php

nubia teases the Red Magic 2 with Snapdragon 845 and 10GB of RAM

ZTE's sub brand nubia has posted an official teaser for its upcoming Red Magic 2 smartphone, detailing key features such as the Snapdragon 845 chipset and 10GB of RAM. That's a bump from the original Red Magic's Snapdragon 835 and 8GB of RAM and a match for Xiaomi's Black Shark Helo, announced two days ago. Other improvements include the use of both air and liquid cooling in the smartphone to help keep temperatures down during gaming and the inclusion of 3D surround sound (implying the Red Magic 2 will have stereo speakers). We'll also get what nubia calls 4D gaming enhancement, but we...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nubia_teases_the_red_magic_2_with_snapdragon_845_and_10gb_of_ram-news-33902.php

Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 slider debuts with 6.4" screen, four cameras and 5G version

After numerous rumors, leaks, and teasers, the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 is finally official. The new flagship comes with a magnetic slider for its selfie camera, flagship internals and quartet of cameras - two on each side. The Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 is built around a 6.4" AMOLED screen and the company claims a massive 93.4% screen-to-body ratio and Full HD+ resolution. The rear part is mounted on a magnetic slider that reveals a 24 MP + 2 MP front combo when slid out. The main sensor here is the Sony IMX576, which the company claims can achieve 1.8µm pixel size by 4-pixel binning in low-light...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_mix_3_official-news-33901.php

Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 gets a 103 DxOMark score, highlighted by 108 photo score

DxOMark were quick to give the freshly announced Xiaomi Mi Mix 3's dual camera a detailed run. Xiaomi's latest and greatest posted a combined score of 103 which breaks down as a 108 photo and 93 video score. For reference, the combined score of 103 matches the Samsung Galaxy Note9 but sits below the iPhone XS Max (105) and Huawei P20 Pro (109). The photo score of 108 more or less matches the Galaxy Note9's 107 photo score. DxO highlighted the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3's reliable and fast autofocus - in both stills and video - the dual camera's wide dynamic range and accurate white balance,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_mix_3_gets_a_103_dxomark_score_highlighted_by_108_photo_score-news-33900.php

Watch the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 event live here

The season for the slider smartphones begins with the launch of Xiaomi Mi Mix 3. The device will be unveiled today at an event in Beijing, China, taking place between the walls of the Forbidden City. We are already at the venue to learn everything about the Mi Mix 3, and here's how you can watch the event that starts at 2 PM local time or 8 AM CEST. The new Xiaomi flagship will arrive with 5G capabilities and up to 10 GB RAM, the company confirmed. It will have a 24 MP AI front-facing camera, hidden behind the screen that can pop up with a simple slide. That allows the screen to...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/watch_the_xiaomi_mi_mix_3_event_live_here-news-33899.php

Google will require OEMs to provide regular security updates. or else

Android devices have had a problem facing the platform for its entire lifetime (and you've heard this word on more than one occasion): fragmentation. Google's now discontinued Nexus devices and Pixel hardware are all updated promptly and regularly by Google. Other manufacturers might take much longer to update phones. Google has put a few things into place to lessen the problem of fragmentation by doing things like releasing Project Treble (mandatory on all hardware released with Android 8.0 and above), and Google has already done a lot to get OEMs to provide more regular security...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_will_require_oems_to_provide_regular_security_updates_or_else_-news-33898.php

OnePlus 6T reportedly passes Verizon certification

OnePlus is set to launch its mid-cycle refresh after the OnePlus 6 next week in New York City. The company will announce the OnePlus 6T and rumors have surfaced that the GSM unlocked device for the US could support Verizon bands and T-Mobile will possibly sell the device in-stores. The news comes from PCMag.com where sources claim that the OnePlus 6T has indeed passed Verizon's certification process so that the unlocked model could be activated on the carrier. Should this be true, it would mark a milestone for OnePlus presence in the United States - which is a big deal for any Chinese...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_6t_reportedly_passes_verizon_certification-news-33897.php

Samsung teases the Galaxy A8s with a camera hole in the screen

In a recent change of strategy, Samsung decided to start implementing new tech into the mid-range lineup if it's available, rather than withhold stuff so flagships can get it first. And with the recent quad and triple camera Galaxy A9 (2018) and Galaxy A7 (2018) smartphones, it looks like the company is already executing its plan. And to top it off, the company just teased the arrival of Galaxy A8s at the end of the Galaxy A9s and A6s announcement event. The new phone will be a first of its kind with a hole in the upper left corner of the display. The hole is for the front-facing...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_teases_the_galaxy_a8s_a_smartphone_with_a_camera_hole_in_the_screen-news-33896.php

Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 photographed in the wild with 6GB of RAM, 128GB storage

Xiaomi has shown off the Mi Mix 3 on several occasions now, but this isn't one of those times - these are spy shots of the phone, perhaps the last ones before the grand reveal tomorrow. There's little we don't already know, but there are still interesting things to note in these photos. The RAM capacity is 6GB, which is usually enough, but Xiaomi has officially confirmed that the top-specced model will have 10GB of RAM. Going by the CPU clock speed, the chipset is a standard Snapdragon 845 (and not a Snapdragon 855). Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 specs It will run MIUI 10 based on Android 9...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_mix_3_photographed_in_the_wild_with_6gb_of_ram_128gb_storage-news-33894.php

Huawei Mate 20 RS Porsche Design hands-on

Huawei announced too many Mate 20 phones at this year's event to keep track of but one stands out with luxurious design and steep price tag - the Mate 20 RS Porsche Design. It's a follow-up to the Mate RS Porsche Design, but unlike that one (which was an original design), it's based on the Mate 20 Pro. The Mate 20 RS Porsche Design has identical internals and screen with the de-facto flagship, but a far flashier appearance and a much richer retail package. After all, that's the least Huawei could have done when slapping a price of €1,695 for the base configuration. Mate 20 RS...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_mate_20_rs_porsche_design_unboxing-news-33889.php

Italy fines Samsung and Apple due to firmware updates that slow performance

The Italian Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) opened an investigation against Samsung and Apple over claims of planned obsolescence. That was in January and the investigation has now closed - both companies were found guilty. Samsung and Apple were slapped with a €5 million fine each. AGCM concluded that "the release of some firmware updates of mobile phones that have caused serious malfunctions and significantly reduced performance, thereby accelerating the process of replacing them." The companies got in trouble in part because they were too pushy when prompting users to...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/italy_fines_samsung_and_apple_due_to_firmware_updates_that_slow_performance-news-33892.php

Nokia 7.1 review

They say third time's a charm and indeed HMD did right by Nokia's legacy. Once the behemoth of the whole industry, it deteriorated to oblivion, only to be resurrected by Microsoft, and then fall again. Android One turned out to be the platform for Nokia to thrive once more and the latest Nokia 7.1 is the perfect example of how well things are going.

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_7_1-review-1841.php

Google Pixel 3 XL teardown video shows why the notch is so big

JerryRigEverything is back with another Pixel 3 XL video but this time focusing on the internal design rather than the external. As usual, he takes the phone apart piece by piece talking us through the whole process. We can see the Qi wireless charging on the back, the water damage indicators, all the adhesive used to stick the backplate and the battery in place as well as the duo of front-facing cameras. Speaking of which, looking at the size of those two sensors, it's pretty obvious that the notch couldn't have been much smaller. Jerry confirms what iFixit found the other day -...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_pixel_3_xl_teardown_video_shows_why_the_notch_is_so_big-news-33893.php

Quad-cam Samsung Galaxy A9s and ODM Galaxy A6s debut

It's official - Samsung's first ODM phone was unveiled in China today. "ODM" means that it is made in factories belonging to another company (Wintech in this case). Meet the Galaxy A6s. The Galaxy A9s joined it, which despite the similar sounding name is just the local version of the Galaxy A9 (2018). Samsung Galaxy A6s The Samsung Galaxy A6s has a 6" 1080p+ screen (Super AMOLED, of course) and it is powered by a Snapdragon 660. This is actually an upgrade over the Snapdragon 450 found in the Galaxy A6+ (2018). The 6GB of RAM and 64/128GB storage are a nice step up also. The dual...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/quadcam_samsung_galaxy_a9s_and_odm_galaxy_a6s_debut-news-33895.php

Mi Mix 3 poster shows blue and green colors, confirms rear fingerprint reader

It appears that someone put out a Mi Mix 3 poster a bit too early. The poster doesn't show a lot that we didn't already know but it still confirms cool looking green and blue variants. And we get to see the rear-mounted fingerprint reader. The theory of in-display fingerprint was initially thrown around and since the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro and Explorer Edition were both equipped with the tech, it sounded legit. But then the first photo of the back panel leaked the other day made us think twice. At least the Mi Mix 3 offers advanced 3D face unlocking tech on the slider so if you are not a...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/mi_mix_3_poster_shows_blue_and_green_colors_confirms_rear_fingerprint_reader-news-33891.php

Panasonic announces Eluga Z1 and Eluga Z1 Pro with big batteries

Panasonic India launched two upper mid-rangers earlier this month and now introduced two entry level handsets to continue the expansion of its portfolio - Panasonic Eluga Z1 and Panasonic Eluga Z1 Pro pack Helio P22 chipsets, AI Face Unlock, and big batteries. Both devices share the same 6.19" notched screen with HD+ resolution and Dragon Trail Pro protection glass on top. The main camera is 13 MP + 2 MP, while the front-facing shooter is 8 MP, both setups coupled with an LED flash. The regular Eluga Z1 has 3 GB RAM and 32 GB internal storage, while the Eluga Z1 Pro comes with 4 GB...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/panasonic_eluga_z1_eluga_z1_official-news-33890.php

The Oppo R17 Pro will be called RX17 Pro in Europe, arrives in three weeks

The Oppo R17 Pro was announced in late August, but it's yet to reach stores. It will finally launch in China on November 1 and in Europe on November 6. For one reason or another Oppo decided that the phone will have a different name in Europe - the Oppo RX17 Pro. Whether the vanilla Oppo R17 will launch as the RX17 is unclear, some claim that it will be the RX17 Neo instead. To be clear, we're talking about a simple name change, the specs will be identical. Oppo R17 Pro - or as it will be called in Europe, RX17 Pro Anyway, the R17 Pro will cost CNY 4,300 in China, which is...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/the_oppo_r17_pro_will_be_called_rx17_pro_in_europe-news-33887.php