Netflix drops in-app purchase option for subscriptions on iOS

Netflix has decided that it will no longer allow iOS users to subscribe to the service from within the app. Customers will henceforth will be required to signup and subscribe for the service from the website. Previously, customers could choose to subscribe to the service through the app itself on iOS. Since this used Apple's iTunes payment and subscriptions system, Apple took a 15% cut from every transaction. Netflix would then pass on this charge on to the customer, who would end up paying more than the standard subscription charges. A few months back, Netflix stopped...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/netflix_drops_inapp_purchase_option_for_subscriptions_on_ios-news-34868.php

Citi halves forecast for iPhone XS Max production in Q1

Citi Research published on Friday updated forecasts for the production numbers of Apple's iPhones in Q1. According to the new estimate Apple is expected to manufacture 45 million units for the quarter, down from the 50 million earlier forecast. More strikingly, the brokerage lowered its forecast for iPhone XS Max production in particular by 48%. An analyst at the company states that the updates in the estimates are caused by Citi's belief that the iPhone is entering a destocking phase, which is inevitably going to affect members of the supply chain and their future...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/citi_halves_forecast_for_iphone_xs_max_production_in_q1-news-34867.php

Smaller/cheaper Galaxy Home smart speaker apparently in the works

Alongside the Galaxy Note9's announcement back in August, Samsung kinda sorta revealed the Galaxy Home smart speaker. Five months later, the product's status is still 'coming soon', but by the looks of it, another one has meanwhile been in development. So far, all that is known is that the new speaker will come in black (surprise there), and that it carries an SM-V310 model designation. Compare that to the SM-V510 number of the original Galaxy Home, and you'd reach the logical conclusion that this mysterious speaker will be smaller and/or more affordable (not that the Home's price has been...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/smaller_cheaper_galaxy_home_smart_speaker_apparently_in_the_works-news-34866.php

Essential Phone discontinued, company working on 'next mobile product'

The Essential Phone (or PH-1) from 2017 was created by Android co-founder Andy Rubin and came with impressive hardware, promises for monthly updates, and a notch, among other traits. It lived an eventful life, though it often made the news for bitter reasons like delayed market launch, executives leaving, job cuts, and discounts to help save what's left of the company (not that we mind discounts). Well, the PH-1 is no more. On a positive note, a spokesperson for Essential has released a statement giving hopes that something is in the works. It goes like this: We are sold out of...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/essential_phone_discontinued_company_working_on_next_mobile_product-news-34865.php

What is RCS and what makes it better than SMS?

SMS has been with us for over a quarter of a century and it won't go away anytime soon. But it's really showing its age and many have moved to instant messaging - WhatsApp, Viber, WeChat, Line, KakaoTalk - for the convenient features these apps offer over plain SMS. Recently Google has started (with the help of carriers) to push RCS - Rich Communication Services. If we had to describe it in three words they would be "iMessage for Android". RCS vs. IM Why not just keep using WhatsApp or one of the others? That's why - SMS is a core feature of mobile networks and every phone...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/what_is_rcs_and_what_makes_it_better_than_sms-news-34766.php

Samsung Galaxy A50 to have 4,000 mAh battery, 24 MP main rear camera

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy A50 has been revealed to carry a beefy 4,000 mAh battery through a new report today. The device will also apparently pack a 24 MP main rear camera, though that will not be the only shooter on its back. The battery capacity is certainly adequate, but still falls short of the rumored 5,000 mAh cell we are supposed to see inside the Galaxy M20. The A50 will be powered by Samsung's Exynos 7 9610 chipset, which has a CPU with four Cortex-A73 cores and four A53s. The phone will have 4GB of RAM, 64 or 128GB of storage, and will run Android 9 Pie from day one. That...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a50_to_have_4000_mah_battery_24_mp_main_rear_camera-news-34864.php

LG G7 ThinQ will receive Android 9 Pie update in Q1 2019

If LG's rollout last month of a beta build of its upcoming update to Android 9 Pie for the G7 ThinQ in South Korea got you excited about the possibility of there being a final release going out across the globe soon, well, hold your horses. The company has now officially listed the release date for the stable Pie update for the G7 as Q1, 2019. And that only applies for Korea. Keeping in mind that LG's OS updates usually arrive in its home market first, and then might take many more months to reach other countries, if you have a G7 and haven't bought it from Korea we assume you'll probably...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g7_thinq_will_receive_android_9_pie_update_in_q1_2019-news-34863.php

Xiaomi Mi 9 and Mi Mix 4 to have triple rear cameras, Snapdragon 855 chipset

Xiaomi's upcoming Mi 9 and Mi Mix 4 will both employ three rear cameras, according to a research note from GF Securities of Hong Kong. In their Xiaomi market performance report, the analysts mentioned that the Mi 9 is set to be the company's first smartphone with a triple rear camera. Additionally, the Mi Mix 4 is apparently going to have a periscope lens, which allows for greater optical zoom while not needing more space in the chassis (at least on the thickness axis). Both the Mi 9 and the Mi Mix 4 are expected to be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 855, which is obviously...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_9_and_mi_mix_4_to_have_triple_rear_cameras_snapdragon_855_chipset-news-34862.php

Asus Zenfone 5z gets Android 9 Pie update in Taiwan

The Asus Zenfone 5 started receiving the update to Android 9 Pie a couple of weeks or so ago, and now it's the Zenfone 5z's turn to get the same tasty treat. The update is currently rolling out for Asus' flagship in Taiwan, arriving as software version 90.10.138.157, a 1GB download. Aside from the underlying OS update, it also brings an updated security patch level and a faster entry into the continuous shooting mode in the camera. According to Asus, it will take about one week for the system update to roll out to every unit out there. You can manually check for the new release by going...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/asus_zenfone_5z_gets_android_9_pie_update_in_taiwan-news-34861.php

Sony launches new USB-PD charger with 46.5W fast charging

Sony has launched a new wall charger for USB-PD compatible devices. The charger is capable of outputting 46.5W simultaneously. The charger, model CP-ADRM2, has two output ports. The USB-C port is capable of outputting 5V/3.0A, 9V/3.0A, 12V/3.0A, and 15V/2.6A. Meanwhile, the USB-A port can output 7.5W 5V/1.5A. Together they can push out 46.5W at the same time. The charger uses a standard C7 or figure-8 connector to plug into an extension power cord, which will vary with market. It features all the usual safety features, including a heat resistant design, and 100V-240V...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_launches_new_usbpd_charger_with_465w_fast_charging-news-34860.php

T-Mobile launches BOGO deals for Apple and Samsung wearables after New Years

In time for the New Year, T-Mobile is launching a couple of new wearables deals as well as a free tablet deal. Let's start with the Apple Watch deal. Buy one Apple Watch Series 3 ($380) or Apple Watch Series 4 ($499) and get a second one for $200 off via monthly-bill credits. In order to qualify, you need to purchase the free Apple Watch on a finance agreement since the discount will be given via monthly statement credits. Next up, if you want to buy a Galaxy Watch, you can get one for $375 and the second one free via monthly bill statements. Like the Apple Watch, you'll have to...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/tmobile_launches_bogo_deals_for_apple_and_samsung_wearables_after_new_years-news-34858.php

vivo launches closed Android Pie beta for X21, X21 UD, NEX S, and NEX A in China

Chinese phone maker vivo has launched a new closed beta for the next version of Android for four vivo devices. The beta will allow a limited number of participants to download a non-final build of FunTouch OS 4.5 layered over Android 9.0 Pie. The source is in Chinese, so the closed beta is very likely in reference to the Chinese versions of four vivo devices: the X21, X21 UD, NEX A, and NEX S. There are two waves of recruitment: the first one started on December 24 and ends on January 2 while the second wave starts on January 2 through January 6. vivo NEX S vivo promised updates...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/vivo_launches_closed_android_pie_beta_for_x21_x21_ud_nex_s_and_nex_a_in_china-news-34859.php

Best and worst smartphone trends of 2018

Another year has passed and a whole bunch of devices has gone through our office. We have completed more than 80 smartphone reviews in 2018 and what an exciting year in tech it was!

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/smartphone_trends_of_2018-review-1871.php

Samsung Galaxy Note9 will get Android 9 Pie on January 15

It looks like Samsung will deliver on the promise of Android 9 Pie on the Galaxy Note9 in January. The Galaxy Note9 is currently in the beta testing phase but is listed on an official Samsung Turkey site as due for Android 9 update on January 15. Samsung delivered the Android 9 firmware to the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+, earlier than expected, a few days ago. Still, Android 9 launched in August and has been available on rival devices like the OnePlus 6 since September or on the Sony Xperia XZ2 since October. Samsung has been known to be slow to update its phones to the latest version...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note9_will_get_android_9_pie_on_january_15-news-34857.php

Xiaomi Mi 8 gets Night Mode and 960fps slow mo with MIUI 10.1.2.0

Xiaomi is adding Super Night Scene and 960fps super slow motion video recording to the Xiaomi Mi 8 and Mi 8 Explorer through the global MIUI 10.1.2.0 update. The firmware weighs 288MB and is not to be mistaken with the Chinese update that was seeded in early December, following a beta test in November. Both features premiered with the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 at the end of October. Super Night Scene captures 8 photos at different exposures and merges them into a brighter shot. We got to play with it during our hands-on with the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3. Until the addition of 960fps super slow-mo, the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_8_gets_night_mode_and_960fps_slow_mo_with_miui_10120-news-34852.php

A case render gives us a conceptual look at the Galaxy S10 Lite

Thanks to a concept render, obtained from a case maker, we get to see what the Galaxy S10 Lite will roughly look like. The render shows a phone with a a flat screen with a punch hole for the selfie camera, thin and even bezels all round, a headphone jack, a side-mounted fingerprint reader and wireless charging. Since the two other Galaxy S10 models are expected to have curved Super AMOLED screens and even up to two selfie cameras on board, we can make an educated guess that this is the Galaxy S10 Lite. The Galaxy S10 Lite is expected to have a dual camera on the rear (while its more...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/a_case_render_gives_us_a_conceptual_look_at_the_galaxy_s10_lite-news-34850.php

Huawei finally makes the P Smart (2019) official, ships January 2

After unofficially going on sale earlier this month, the Huawei P Smart (2019) is now officially official. The specs haven't changed but we'll rehash them just in case. The P Smart (2019) has a 6.21-inch IPS LCD of 1080x2340px (with Eye Comfort Mode or Blue Light Filter, in layman's terms), a 12nm Hisilicon Kirin 710 paired with 3GB of RAM, 64GB of expandable storage and a 3,400mAh battery. For imaging (and video) the Huawei P Smart (2019) has a 13MP f/2.2 main camera with a 2MP depth-sensing second sensor and an 8MP selfie camera. Huawei P Smart (2019) Huawei...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_finally_makes_the_p_smart_2019_official_ships_january_2-news-34851.php

Foxconn to assemble Apple iPhones in India next year

Earlier this week, rumors suggested Apple and Foxconn are moving the production of 2019 iPhones from China to India. Today, Reuters confirmed the Taiwanese supplier and contractor will use its plant in Sriperumbudur, a town in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The state's Industries Minister M C Sampath said the plant is already used for making Xiaomi phones, but Foxconn will invest $356 million in expanding the product line to meet the orders by Apple. Such an investment may create as many as 25,000 jobs in the region, he added. According to one source that spoke with...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/foxconn_to_assemble_apple_iphones_in_india_next_year-news-34849.php

Samsung will tuck the speaker into the display as it did with the selfie camera

Samsung has already shown off a phone with a selfie camera inside the display and we expect the Galaxy S10 to follow suit. But the next step in the fight against the top bezel is removing the traditional loudspeaker and using the display as one. We've heard of this before - Samsung is planning to use piezoelectric actuators embedded into the display to produce sound - Samsung calls it Sound on Display, and it will show it off at the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas this January. This method of sound transition is not specifically new - the original Xiaomi Mi Mix used...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_will_tuck_the_speaker_into_the_display_as_it_did_with_the_selfie_camera-news-34848.php

EMUI 9 starts hitting global Huawei P10 devices

Huawei initially announced that all Kirin 970 phones would be getting EMUI 9.0, but no word on any other devices. Later, the company started recruiting beta testers for more devices, including the 2017 flagship Huawei P10. Today we received a tip from Malaysia in our mailbox, revealing the manufacturer has started issuing a stable build to global dual-SIM devices. Full change log of the update The screenshot reveals the VTR-L29 models are receiving a 3.38 GB package with serial number 9.0.1.119. It brings simplified UI, a Settings menu that is easier to navigate; Android Dashboard...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/emui_9_starts_hitting_global_huawei_p10_devices-news-34847.php

Latest OxygenOS Open Beta arrives for OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T

OxygenOS Open Beta has just started hitting the OnePlus 6 and the OnePlus 6T. The builds are respectively number 10 and number 2, but they both bring the same updates and features. According to posts on the OnePlus forum, there are improvements to the System, the Phone, Gallery, and Launcher apps. OnePlus 6 The latest open beta build has polished screen and color adaptation for the navigation bar when using third-party apps. UI has been improved for Call History and different category tags in the app drawer, and now the Toolbox has more recommended tools. Indian users will also...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/latest_oxygenos_open_beta_oneplus_6_and_oneplus_6t-news-34846.php

ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M2 gets firmware update in India

ASUS has started rolling out a new firmware update for the ZenFone Max Pro M2 in the Indian market. The update, version WW-15.2016.1811.177, is about 1.62GB in size. The update includes the following changes: 1.Camera effect optimization 2.Update audio parameter 3.Upgrade Fingerprint FW 4.Upgrade Touch FW 5.Improve display edge 6.Upgrade Google security patches With regards to the last point, the phone has been updated from October security patch to November, although ideally we would have liked to have the December patch by now. The update should start rolling...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/asus_zenfone_max_pro_m2_gets_firmware_update_in_india-news-34843.php

Nokia 9 PureView to be announced during the last week of January

One of the longest awaited flagship smartphones in history has to be the Nokia 9 PureView. Ever since HMD Global started making handsets under the Nokia name people have been anxiously anticipating the company's first true contender for the top of the line space. And now we may actually be only one month away from the official unveiling of the Nokia 9. That is, at least, what a new rumor claims, reported by Russian publication Nokia Anew. Apparently the info comes from some unnamed "foreign sources", and they also say that we should expect "many surprises" from the announcement - as if the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_9_pureview_to_be_announced_during_the_last_week_of_january-news-34845.php

Google Fit will add monthly challenges as part of #GetFitWithGoogle in time for New Year

Today, Google announced a new initiative for new and existing Google Fit users. In honor of the upcoming new year and in honor of the many people who make resolutions only to give them up in the first month, Google is going to offer monthly fitness challenges on the Google Fit app in hopes that they'll help Google Fit users stay on track. Right now, you can head to the Google Fit app and sign up for a 30-day challenge which will begin on January 1. The app will offer encouragement throughout the month and to help push these Fit challenges, Google has garnered the help of 36...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_fit_will_add_monthly_challenges_as_part_of_getfitwithgoogle_in_time_for_new_year-news-34844.php

Google will reportedly launch both Pixel 3 "Lite" devices on Verizon this spring

We've been hearing rumors and speculation about two new Pixel devices said to be "Lite" versions of their already-available Pixel 3 counterparts. Renders of the phone have already leaked, giving us an idea of what these premium mid-rangers might look like - in the Pixel 3's likeness. The latest piece of news from Android Police claims that the Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 XL Lite will be announced for Verizon in "early spring" which could signify either an April or May announcement in 2019. This could position its timing just around six months before Google's usual MadeByGoogle launch event,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_will_reportedly_launch_two_pixel_3_lite_devices_on_verizon_this_spring-news-34842.php

Nokia 5.1 Plus is the latest handset to get updated to Android 9 Pie

Today HMD Global started rolling out the update to Android 9 Pie for the Nokia 5.1 Plus. The company had promised that it would deliver the update by the end of the year, and it has kept its promise, if by just a few days. The new software is version V2.09B, arrives as a 1.2GB download, and it has the December 2018 security patch level included. You also get the new system navigation, Settings menu, and redesigned notification pane. Adaptive Battery prioritises your most commonly used apps and services and doesn't allow those you only rarely use to eat up your milliamp hours....

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_51_plus_is_the_latest_handset_to_get_updated_to_android_9_pie-news-34841.php

Moto G7 to launch in Brazil in February, before MWC

The Moto G7 is shaping up to be a major release for Motorola as it relies on this model for a big chunk of its sales. Last year, Motorola globally launched the G6 lineup consisting of the Moto G6, Moto G6 Plus, and Moto G6 Play in Sao Paulo, Brazil in April. This year, Motorola is expected to take a slightly more aggressive approach to the timing of its press event. A report from Brazilian website AndroidPit cites Brazilian industry sources claiming that Motorola will announce the G7 in February, before the MWC is set to take place. Brazil is one of Motorola's strongest markets so it's...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/moto_g7_to_launch_in_brazil_just_before_mwc-news-34840.php

MediaTek Helio P90 flexes its synthetic muscle on AnTuTu

MediaTek's upcoming upper-midrange chip Helio P90 has gone through its first benchmark, scoring 162k on AnTuTu. The score was achieved on an unknown device with 6GB of RAM, running on Android 9 Pie. This score puts the Helio P90 in the same ballpark as the Snapdragon 670 (~150k) and the Snapdraon 710 (~170k). The MediaTek Helio P90 is configured with two Cortex-A75 that run at up to 2.2 GHz and two Cortex-A55 that run as high as 2.0 GHz. The chip is built on a 12nm process and uses a PowerVR GM9446 graphics processor that clocks up to 970 MHz. Source | Via

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/mediatek_helio_p90_flexes_its_synthetic_muscle_on_antutu-news-34838.php

Sony WH-CH700N wireless noise canceling headphones review

The CH700N is Sony's latest pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones. After the excellent 1000XM3, Sony sought to create a more affordable version that will be accessible to more people, and thus the CH700N was born. The new headphones promise comfortable wireless sound, active noise cancellation, and excellent battery life. Today, I will be taking a look at them and see if they are worth your money. Design The CH700N have a very standard, unassuming design. It comes in three color variants, although that may vary depending upon your market. The entire headphone is made out of...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_whch700n_wireless_noise_canceling_headphones_review-news-34837.php

Instagram switches to sideways scrolling just in time to ruin your holidays

Instagram, your favorite place to see cat photos, week old reddit memes, rejected TikTok videos, ads and occasionally pictures of your friends, has now completely changed the way the timeline works. While the service has had a vertically scrolling timeline since it launched back in 2010, the company today started rolling out a server-side update that changes the way timeline scrolling works. Instead of vertically, it now moves sideways, one post at a time. You can either scroll horizontally or just tap on the edge of posts like you would on a Snapchat Instagram Story. And just like the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/instagram_switches_to_sideways_scrolling_just_in_time_to_ruin_your_holidays-news-34839.php

Motorola P40 images appear to reveal punch hole camera

Motorola launched its P30 smartphone series as a continuation of the Moto X devices as a part of the Android One program. The P30 Play arrived on the global scene as Motorola One, while the P30 Note is called Moto One Power where Google services are available. The 2019 iteration of an Android One phone is likely to be called Moto P40 and the first renders already appeared online, courtesy of 91mobiles and OnLeaks. They show that the phone will feature a punch hole in its screen for the selfie camera, joining the Galaxy A8s, Honor V20 (aka View 20) and the Huawei nova 4. There will...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_p40_renders_in_360_degrees_appear_online-news-34836.php

Realme is readying a mid-tier A1 for early 2019

Realme is reportedly preparing to launch a new smartphone dubbed A1 in early 2019 that will sit between the Realme C1 and the Realme U1. According to unconfirmed sources the Realme A1 will be available in Black and Yellow. The rest is still a guessing game - a screen similar to U1's 6.3-incher with a dewdrop notch and a camera setup on the rear along the lines of 13MP main and 2MP depth-sensing secondary camera seem likely. We can expect the Realme A1 to cost around INR 10,000 (€130). The Realme C1 is around INR 8-9,000 while the Realme U1 around INR 13,000. Realme is...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/realme_is_readying_a_midtier_a1_for_early_2019-news-34835.php

Moto G7 Supra for Cricket surfaces with a regular notch

According to a press render, obtained by Evan Blass, Cricket will launch one of the Moto G7 phones under the name Moto G7 Supra. Judging by the regular notch and going by recent unconfirmed renders the phone in the image is either the Moto G7 Play or Moto G7 Power. The Moto G7 and G7 Plus appear to have water drop-styled notches. This would mean that the Moto G7 Supra will have a single (most likely 12MP) camera and fingerprint scanner on the rear, a single (likely 8MP) selfie camera on the front and a 4,000mAh battery on the inside. It could use a Snapdragon 632 chipset. If the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/moto_g7_supra_for_cricket_surfaces_with_a_regular_notch-news-34833.php

Huawei nova 4 with punch-hole screen camera arrives for sale

Huawei announced the nova 4 with punch-hole screen camera and Kirin 970 chipset back at December 17 and now the phone arrived for sale. It has only one memory option - 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage, but has two versions, depending on the main camera - High Edition and Standard Edition. Huawei nova 4 The better option comes with 48 MP f/1.8 main shooter, while the cheaper has a 20 MP snapper. Everything else about the phone is the same - 6.4" LCD panel with a 4.5 mm circular cutout for the 25 MP selfie shooter, EMUI 9.0, 3,750 mAh battery and 18W quick charging. Available at...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_nova_4_with_punchhole_screen_camera_arrives_for_sale-news-34832.php

More Nokia 9 case renders solidify penta-camera design

We are getting closer to the Nokia 9 becoming more than vaporware. Although still without official acknowledgement from the phone maker, a supposed Nokia 9 is said to feature a penta-camera setup that might carry Nokia's "PureView" branding to the next level. Today, a new case render leak shows us a couple more angles of the alleged Nokia 9. The renders are in line with previous case images that we've seen. All renders have seven holes: enough for five cameras, one flash, and one for optic sensors. There's also a mic-hole just above penta-cam setup in these new renders and previous...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/more_nokia_9_case_renders_solidify_pentacamera_design-news-34831.php

Google will transition Android Messages web app from Android.com to Google.com

This piece of news, perhaps trivial, indicates something deeper going on with Google and its Android brand. A new commit spotted in Chromium's Gerrit source code management reveals that Google intends to transition its web portal for sending and receiving SMS and MMS messages. If you use the Android Messages app (which was eventually renamed to just "Messages"), you can access a web interface to chat with people from your phone using your desktop. To do this, all you have to do is head to Messages.Android.com. However, the new commit suggests that Google will be transitioning users to a...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_will_transition_android_messages_web_app_from_androidcom_to_googlecom-news-34830.php

Top 10 most popular reviews of 2018: Q3

Moving on from Q1 and Q2, it's time to look at the phones that shaped the months of July, August and September. This is the time of the Pocophone F1 - the most read review not just in Q3 but in the entire year. Xiaomi made a seismic stir in the mobile landscape with this one - a Snapdragon 845-equipped phone with infrared face scanning, stereo speakers and a price that puts the OnePlus 6T to shame. We expected the Pocophone F1 to be riddled with compromises to achieve its cutthroat price but it wasn't and we can only fidget with anticipation for its successor in 2019. Xiaomi's...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/top_10_most_popular_reviews_of_2018_q3-news-34788.php

Report: iPhone XR made up 32% of iPhone sales in its first month

Today, Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (or CIRP) released a new report that estimates how well iPhones sold relative to others. Since Apple no longer releases the number of units sold, it's more difficult to know exactly how well the iPhone is selling especially since multiple reports have showed signs of iPhone sales dwindling. This year, iPhone XR sales made up 32% of iPhones sold in the first month of availability while the iPhone XS and XS Max collectively made up 35% of Apple's market share. Source: CIRP Apple took a different approach to the release of its...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_xr_made_up_32_of_iphone_sales_in_its_first_month-news-34829.php

LG Electronics joins Korean FTC in lawsuit against Qualcomm

LG is the latest smartphone maker to join the KFTC (Korean Fair Trade Commission) and other companies in the lawsuit against Qualcomm. While Samsung's withdrawal didn't do the lawsuit any favors, LG's new stance strengthens the KFTC's case again, particularly with LG being a Korean company. According to Business Korea industry sources claim that LG chose to participate in the legal efforts against Qualcomm due to shaky negotiations in between LG and Qualcomm in the US. Qualcomm's ongoing legal fight with Apple recently resulted in Apple's iPhones being banned in China and...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_electronics_joins_korean_ftc_in_lawsuit_against_qualcomm-news-34828.php

Galaxy S10+'s chin to be comparable to that of the iPhone X, smaller than Mate 20 Pro's

Another day, another leak about one of the members of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S10 family. This time around a purported screen protector for the Galaxy S10+ has been outed. Not only that, but it's been used for an impromptu chin comparison, between the S10+ and the iPhone X as well as the Huawei Mate 20 Pro. As you can see from the images below, the S10+ is shaping up to have a chin that's pretty much the same size as the iPhone X's. That's not a small achievement since the way Apple does that is by curving the OLED panel inwards so that the connectors don't have to take up space in the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s10s_chin_to_be_comparable_to_that_of_the_iphone_x_smaller_than_mate_20_pros-news-34827.php

OnePlus 5 and OnePlus 5T are now receiving Android 9 Pie

OnePlus has over the past few weeks released two beta builds of the Android 9 Pie update for the OnePlus 5 and 5T, and now the stable version is rolling out. The finalized version of the update is headed to the company's two handsets from last year. It arrives as OxygenOS 9.0.0, based on Android Pie. It contains the December 2018 security patches too. When you get the new software, you'll see the brand new Pie UI, new navigation gestures for the 5T, and you get a new Do Not Disturb mode too, with adjustable settings. Google Lens is integrated in the Camera app, and Gaming mode 3.0...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_5_and_oneplus_5t_are_now_receiving_the_stable_update_to_android_9_pie-news-34826.php

Huawei Honor 10 Lite review

The Honor 10 Lite is an expected addition to the brand's mid-range lineup and it hopes to ride on the success of the original Honor 10. So how did Honor go about making a Lite version of a phone, which is already somewhat of a Lite version of the flagship Huawei P20? The feature set has been trimmed across the board but the Honor 10 Lite is still an embodiment of the great value phones we've come to know the brand for.

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/honor_10_lite-review-1872.php

Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ is finally getting Android Pie update

Just a week after the new beta build of Android Pie for the Galaxy S9 phones, Samsung started seeding the final build. The company is pushing the package to devices mostly in Europe, but according to sources, the UAE and Turkey are also already receiving the latest OS and UI. The European countries where Samsung is officially pushing the update are Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and the Netherlands. Some Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ devices started receiving notifications as early as Christmas Eve, but now it should start coming to all owners. The key changes are the One UI upgrade over the...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s9_android_pie_update-news-34824.php

Xiaomi launches Mi Fan Sale on Amazon India

Xiaomi is known for selling its devices at affordable prices, but some phones got even cheaper. The company introduced the No. 1 Mi Fan Sale on Amazon India, discounting the Redmi 6A, Mi A2, Redmi Y2, Redmi 6 Pro, and Redmi Note 5 Pro devices with up to INR3,000 off their price. Phone Price (in INR) Discounted price (in INR) Xiaomi Mi A2 6/128 GB 18,999 16,999 Xiaomi Mi A2 4/64 GB 15,999 14,999 Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro 6/64 GB 17,999 14,999 Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro 4/64 GB 15,999 ...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_launches_mi_fan_sale_on_amazon_india-news-34825.php

Samsung Galaxy S10 to come with a swipe gesture from the selfie camera

Samsung Galaxy A8s was introduced with an Infinity-O display earlier this month. The front-facing camera is embedded in the screen and since the phone is China-exclusive, we expect the solution to become global with the Galaxy S10 arrival. According to sources, you can start the selfie camera when the phone is locked simply by swiping from the actual shooter towards the center of the device, and this feature will make its way to the Galaxy S10 as well. Check out the glowing ring around the camera The information comes in line with earlier rumors from Twitter leakster...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s10_to_come_with_a_swipe_gesture_from_the_selfie_camera-news-34822.php

Huawei to surpass Apple and take second place at the global market

Huawei Technologies sold over 200 million smartphones in 2018, reaching an astounding increase of 30%, compared with its 153 million sales in 2017. According to Nikkei Asian Review, the P20 series helped a lot and the results should boost the Chinese company to second place on the global market, surpassing Apple. Even if the company managed to increase sales in China, Europe, and Africa, it is facing suspicion in key markets, such as Canada, Australia, and the United States. Plenty of countries and telecoms are shying from using Huawei communications equipment and this trend is bound...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_surpass_apple_take_second_place_global_market-news-34821.php

Honor V20 (View 20) officially announced in China with a 48 MP main shooter

After the tease in the early days of December, the Honor View 20 is now official. It was just released in China under the name Honor V20, with a global launch scheduled in Paris, France, for January 22. The phone comes with an on-screen punch-hole selfie camera, while the back panel is equipped with a 48 MP Sony IMX586 main shooter and a 3D ToF sensor. It will be the company's first flagship in 2019. Honor View 20 hands-on photos The screen is a 6.4" LCD with a 1080p resolution and an unusually tall ratio of 19.25:9. The chipset is Kirin 980 chipset, which is coupled...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/honor_v20_view_20_official_in_screen_selfie_camera_48_mp_main_shooter-news-34820.php

Top news of 2018: Q3

With the FIFA World Cup raising competitive spirits, we decided to run our own championship - the Smartphone World Cup. The final pit the Galaxy S9+ versus the OnePlus 6 and it became our most-read news article for Q3 (and here's the result of the match). The launch of the Xiaomi Redmi Y2 caused a disproportionate amount of excitement for a $140 phone, but that was good news for both Xiaomi and Amazon (which had exclusivity in India). On the other end of the spectrum, the iPhone rumor roundup and eventual launch were also a defining moment of the July-September quarter. The iPhone XR...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/top_news_of_2018_q3-news-34763.php

Xiaomi launches 128GB variant of Poco F1 Armoured Edition in India

Xiaomi has launched a new variant of the Poco F1 (globally known as Pocophone F1) in India. More specifically, this is a variant of the Armoured Edition. While previously this particular color variant could only be purchased in the top of the line configuration of 256GB storage and 8GB RAM, the new variant has 128GB storage and 6GB RAM instead. This will make the Armoured Edition more accessible, as it now starts at INR 23,999 ($342) for the 128GB model compared to the INR 28,999 ($413) for the 256GB model. As before, there is also the 64GB model, which also comes with 6GB...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_launches_128gb_variant_of_poco_f1_armoured_edition_in_india-news-34819.php

Xiaomi launches 128GB variant of Poco F1 in India

Xiaomi has launched a new variant of the Poco F1 (globally known as Pocophone F1) in India. More specifically, this is a variant of the Armoured Edition. While previously this particular color variant could only be purchased in the top of the line configuration of 256GB storage and 8GB RAM, the new variant has 128GB storage and 6GB RAM instead. This will make the Armoured Edition more accessible, as it now starts at INR 23,999 ($342) for the 128GB model compared to the INR 28,999 ($413) for the 256GB model. As before, there is also the 64GB model, which also comes with 6GB...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_launches_128gb_variant_of_poco_f1_in_india-news-34819.php