Android 15 Developer Preview 1 is out, first Beta arrives in April

Today Google has released the first Developer Preview (DP) of Android 15, a day later than rumored. One more DP build is coming in March, followed by the first Beta in April, a second Beta in May, and then the "Platform Stability" phase kicks in in June ahead of the final release that will be... after July, that's all Google is revealing right now. The company does say that from June there will be "several months" until the official release, for what it's worth. As always with an early DP, there isn't a lot of new stuff baked in, and the things that are highlighted are mostly...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/android_15_developer_preview_1_is_out_first_beta_arrives_in_april-news-61640.php

Infinix Hot 40i lands in India with 50 MP camera, 256GB of storage

Infinix originally unveiled the Hot 40 series, including the Hot 40i, back in early December. And today the Hot 40i has finally made it to India as the successor to the - you guessed it - Hot 30i. The Hot 40i comes with a 6.6-inch 720x1612 90 Hz LCD screen, the Unisoc T606 SoC at the helm, 8GB of RAM with support for 8GB of virtual RAM, 256GB of expandable UFS 2.2 storage, dual SIM support (with a triple slot that can fit two SIMs as well as a microSD), a side-mounted fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button, IP53 rating for dust and splash resistance, and a 5,000 mAh battery with...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/infinix_hot_40i_lands_in_india_with_50_mp_camera_256gb_of_storage-news-61639.php

Next iPhone SE coming in 2025 with OLED screen borrowed from the iPhone 14

Apple has launched its last affordable iPhone SE in 2022, and the previous one before that in 2020, but it looks like the company will skip a year this time around and release the next one in 2025. That's what a new report from Korea reiterates today. When it does launch, the next iPhone SE will have a feature previously unseen in this affordable range: an OLED screen. All of the previous iPhone SE models were fitted with LCD panels instead, but now the cheapest iPhone will finally be making the jump. The report claims three display makers are currently fighting for Apple's orders...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/next_iphone_se_coming_in_2025_with_oled_screen_borrowed_from_the_iphone_14-news-61638.php

Realme 12 Pro+ review

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/realme_12_pro_plus-review-2668.php

OnePlus 12R isn't working on Verizon yet, although it should be

While the OnePlus 12 works fine on Verizon, the same unfortunately can't be said about its more affordable sibling, the OnePlus 12R. According to some user reports, the phone simply doesn't work on Verizon, even though it definitely should. It's the first time that an R series device launches in the US, and it seems like the launch wasn't prepared properly from OnePlus' side. One user on XDA forums explains the issue quite eloquently, describing that out of multiple 12Rs he purchased, all are "Invalid IMEI" on Verizon. OnePlus customer support has apparently been stringing him along...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_12r_isnt_working_on_verizon_yet_although_it_should_be-news-61620.php

Bose announces Ultra Open Earbuds

Bose has announced the new Ultra Open Earbuds, a pair of Bluetooth wireless earbuds that feature an open ear design. The goal here is to be able to listen to your content while being fully aware of your surroundings as your ears remain unblocked at all times. The Ultra Open Earbuds are designed to be worn on your outer ear and hang off your auricles. They have a U-shaped design with a part that sits within the outer ear and a barrel that hangs outside and the two are connected by a soft rubber material. The barrel also features a button for accessing various features and playback...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/bose_announces_ultra_open_earbuds_with_an_open_ear_design-news-61618.php

Samsung Galaxy A35 found in the Google Play Console

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy A35 is one phone that can't seem to stop leaking in recent days. Today we have yet another encounter with it, this time in the Google Play Console, where it's been listed ahead of its launch. This gives us the image you can see below, showing the phone's front with a rather symmetrical bezel arrangement around the screen (but not entirely, the bottom one is still a bit thicker), the centered hole-punch for the selfie camera, and the very recognizable Samsung design on the back with the three individual camera circles. The Galaxy A35 5G sports Samsung's own...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a35_found_in_the_google_play_console-news-61619.php

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 rumored to get 200MP main cam

Samsung may be bringing a huge camera upgrade its to the Galaxy Z Fold6 as per a new rumor. Reliable tipster @Tech_Reve shared a post which suggests we’ll see the same 200 MP ISOCELL HP2 camera sensor found on the S24 Ultra inside the upcoming Fold6. This comes as a surprise given that a previous tip from Ice Universe suggests we’ll see the same 50MP sensor that was present on the Z Fold5. Recent Z Fold6 rumors suggest wider aspect ratio for the cover screen alongside reduced weight and less prominent display crease. Samsung is also rumored to be working a more affordable Galaxy Z Fold...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_z_fold6_rumored_to_get_200mp_main_cam-news-61616.php

Mark Zuckerberg disses Apple's Vision Pro, unsurprisingly thinks the Meta Quest 3 is better

Mark Zuckerberg tried an Apple Vision Pro and he didn't like it. Or rather - he thinks Meta's Quest 3 headset is better. That shouldn't shock anyone, after all, Mark Zuckerberg is Meta's CEO, so of course he's going to say that. Still, if you want to hear Mark's thoughts on Apple's Vision Pro, here you go. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mark Zuckerberg (@zuck) In case you couldn't listen, the gist of it is this. The Quest 3 is seven times less expensive, but it's not just better value than the Vision Pro, it's "a better product, period". "Overall,...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/mark_zuckerberg_disses_apples_vision_pro_unsurprisingly_thinks_the_meta_quest_3_is_better-news-61603.php

Samsung Galaxy F15 5G runs Geekbench ahead of its release

Samsung launched the Galaxy F14 in March last year, so the Galaxy F15's release is rapidly approaching, even if it's still not official. Either way, a prototype F15 5G just ran Geekbench earlier today, and it managed a 690 single-core score and a 1,752 multi-core score. The prototype unsurprisingly ran Android 14, and it's going to launch with One UI 6 on top. It had 4GB of RAM, but Samsung may decide to offer more memory options when the phone becomes official. While the chipset isn't outright stated in the Geekbench database, it's being speculated that the F15 will sport...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_f15_5g_runs_geekbench_ahead_of_its_release-news-61601.php

Xiaomi 14 Ultra price leaks, Xiaomi 14's gets confirmed once more

Xiaomi is expected to launch the 14 internationally at a special event in Barcelona on February 25, and it seems like the company might also unveil the yet-unannounced 14 Ultra on that occasion. Recently, the 14's pricing for the European Union was leaked, and today that €1,099 price has been 'confirmed' again - as much as a rumor can confirm another rumor, of course. More importantly, we now know what to expect when it comes to the 14 Ultra's pricing, and it will cost exactly as much as its predecessor, if this new information is to be believed. Namely, €1,499. Xiaomi 14 Ultra in...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_14_ultra_price_leaks_xiaomi_14_price_gets_reconfirmed-news-61602.php

Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra shows up on Geekbench

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra starred in a massive leak earlier this month, signaling a nearing release. Now we have a confirmation of its chipset, courtesy of Geekbench. An Asus smartphone powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset just surfaced on Geekbench's database, showcasing the SoC's full potential. Given that Asus has only a couple smartphones on its portfolio and the recent Zenfone 11 Ultra leak, it's probably safe to assume it's in fact the 11 Ultra. Unfortunately, there's not much to extract from the Geekbench listing except that the tested device boots Android 14 and packs ...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/alleged_asus_zenfone_11_ultra_shows_up_on_geekbench-news-61600.php

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24_ultra-review-2670.php

Samsung Galaxy M15 5G gets battery certification

Samsung is gearing up to launch its next entry-level M-series phone and we now have three certifications revealing some key details. Galaxy M15 5G (SM-M156B) passed Dekra, BIS, and Safety Korea certifications revealing a rated capacity of 5,880 mAh. The device is expected to launch with a 6,000 mAh cell typical capacity matching last year's Galaxy M14. Galaxy M15 5G (SM-M156B) battery certification on Safety Korea The battery features the EB-BM156ABY model number and is expected to support up to 25W charging. Galaxy M15 5G is expected to feature similar specs to the Galaxy A15...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_m15_5g_gets_battery_certification_-news-61582.php

EU declares Apple iMessage and Microsoft’s Edge and Bing are not gatekeepers

The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) entered into force back in August with the goal of more transparent regulations over large companies like Apple and Microsoft and their core platform services. The EU initially considered Apple’s iMessage and Microsoft’s Edge, Bing and Microsoft Advertising as gatekeepers - large digital platforms with over 45 million active users in the EU and €7.5 billion annual revenue but Apple and Microsoft have appealed the EU Commission's preliminary assessments and are now clear of any accusations. The EU’s probe found out that despite meeting the quantitative...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/eu_declares_apple_imessage_and_microsofts_edge_and_bing_are_not_gatekeepers-news-61585.php

Xiaomi 14 Ultra to have a titanium special edition, memory and storage options leak

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra may get its international launch on February 25 at MWC in Barcelona, along with the 'vanilla' 14 model. Now, the RAM/storage combos in which it will be offered have been leaked in China. Keep in mind that these are for the Chinese market, so internationally it may be that only a subset of these will be available. According to a tipster over on Weibo, China's equivalent to Twitter/X, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will come with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage in its base version. It will also be offered with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage as well as 16GB of RAM and 1TB of...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_14_ultra_to_have_a_special_edition_titanium_version_memory_and_storage_options_leak-news-61571.php

Honor and Gameloft bring 120 fps Asphalt 9: Legends to the Porsche Design Magic V2 RSR

Honor has proudly announced today that it's partnering with game developer Gameloft to bring a special version of Asphalt 9: Legends to the Porsche Design Magic V2 RSR. This will run at 120fps and is "better adapted to the large screens on foldable smartphones", of which the Magic V2 RSR is one. The partnership will deliver "an unparalleled experience unlike anything seen before, advancing the foldable ecosystem through mutual innovation", Honor boldly states in its official press release on the matter. Fluid visuals and ultra-fast response times are provided on the large folding screen by...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/honor_and_gameloft_bring_120_fps_version_of_asphalt_9_legends_to_the_porsche_design_magic_v2_rsr-news-61570.php

Nothing Glyph Developer Kit released

Nothing Tech has released its Glyph Developer Kit allowing developers to take advantage of the LED lights on the back of Nothing phones and integrate Glyph functionality in their apps. The software development kit (SDK) is live on GitHub and currently supports Phone (1) and Phone (2) devices. Phone (1) has 12 programmable LED lighting zones while Phone (2) brings the total to 33. Nothing Phone (1) and Phone (2) Glyph Interface indexation The Glyph Developer Kit GitHub page features the repository and support documents alongside detailed instructions on Glyph Interface indexation...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/nothing_glyph_developer_kit_released_-news-61569.php

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G in for review

This is the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, our newest arrival at the office. Like other recent Samsung Galaxy phones, it ships with nothing more than a USB cable. We just published our Galaxy A15 (the 4G version) and had the chance to snap both phones side-by-side. Physically, the pair looks identical from the front but different from the back. The back panel on the 5G model is matte, whereas the 4G model' is glossy. The two are also different shades of blue. Samsung Galaxy A15 4G on the left, Galaxy A15 5G on the right The major difference between the two is the chipset. The...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a15_5g_in_for_review-news-61566.php

Deals: the Samsung Galaxy S24 series gets cheaper, but the S23 is still worth a look

If you feel that the Galaxy S24 wasn’t enough of an upgrade, you can get the Galaxy S23 – it even has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset instead of an Exynos. Amazon UK has it at £600 (this is after a £150 voucher) for an 8/256GB unit and save a lot of money compared to the S24. Samsung Galaxy S23 8/256GB £300 off after £150 voucher Read our review £600 at Amazon UK But before you do that, do have a look at the Galaxy S24. Its price is down to £810 for...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/deals_the_samsung_galaxy_s24_series_gets_cheaper_but_the_s23_is_still_worth_a_look-news-61543.php

Xiaomi 14 European price revealed, Pro confirmed to stay in China

We’re inching closer to the global rollout of the Xiaomi 14 which is set for February 25 and we now have a rumored price for the device. The team at Techmaniacs uncovered the Xiaomi 14 pricing for Greece which will start at €1,099 for the 12GB RAM and 512GB storage version. For reference, last year's Xiaomi 13 launched at €999 for the 8/256GB trim. This is a new RAM/storage trim as the Chinese 512GB and 1TB models come with 16GB RAM. Xiaomi 14 is expected to go on open sale from February 29. The new report also corroborates previous rumors that the Xiaomi 14 Pro will not make its way...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_14_european_price_revealed_pro_confirmed_to_stay_in_china-news-61559.php

Top 10 trending phones of week 6

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra extends its golden run, ending up as the most popular device in our database for the sixth week in a row. At this rate we are unlikely to see it overtaken at least until the MWC rolls in at the end of the month. [#InlinePriceWidget, 12771, 1#] The second placed phone is both a bit of a surprise and the most easily predictable one there is. You see the Galaxy A5x series have been a prominent fixture in our trending chart for years now, but the A55 is still weeks if not months away from announcement. However, you guys are clearly already paying close...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/top_10_trending_phones_of_week_6-news-61558.php

OnePlus on why just 5 years of updates, Phone (2a) render was fake, Week 6 in review

Welcome to your week 6 recap. OnePlus defended its policy of giving its users 5 years of software updates (4 years of major OS updates, and 5 years of security support) over the 7 years of Samsung and Google. OnePlus is focusing on the quality of the software and its fluidity over what it deems a promise that misses that point. A press image made the rounds this week, supposedly of Nothing's first midranger, the Phone (2a). It showed a phone without a Glyph interface and a similar design to the Nothing Phone (1). It turns out the render isn't of the Phone (2a) - Steve H. McFly (aka...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_on_why_just_5_years_of_updates_phone_2a_render_was_fake_week_6_in_review-news-61549.php

Oppo Reno12 series tipped to feature a custom Sony sensor

Oppo unveiled the Reno11 series smartphones last November, so we expect their successors to arrive before H2 2024 begins. There's no word yet from Oppo regarding the Reno12 lineup, but tipster Smart Pikachu (name translated from Chinese) on Weibo hinted at camera improvements. The tipster said the Oppo Reno12 series will feature a newly customized Sony sensor, elevating the lineup's mid-range image quality. The Reno11 series includes three smartphones - Reno11, Reno11 Pro, and Reno11 F. The vanilla and Pro models feature 50MP primary cameras, while the F version sports a 64MP unit, so it...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_reno12_series_camera_tipped-news-61553.php

Google One now has more than 100 million subscribers

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has announced that Google One now has more than 100 million subscribers, and the company will be focusing on "building on that momentum" with the freshly launched AI Premium Plan offering features powered by Google's recently announced Gemini AI model. We just crossed 100M Google One subscribers! Looking forward to building on that momentum with our new AI Premium Plan (launched yesterday) offering AI features like Gemini Advanced, plus Gemini in Gmail, Docs + more coming soon. https://t.co/m7zAVop7P6 pic.twitter.com/sMdwJeq0iU— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai)...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/google_one_100_million_subscribers_gemini_ai_premium_plan_price-news-61557.php

Reading mode app on Android now works with Gmail and some social media apps

Google released the Reading mode app back in 2020 and with the latest update, the company made the app a whole lot more useful. The app now works in Gmail, Threads and X. It also works with other social media and email apps. Ever since Google ruined Assistant's "Read aloud" functionality a few weeks ago, I switched to their Reading Mode app and have been very happy with it. It's even better than Assistant.You swipe up from the bottom with two fingers to instantly activate it. Brilliant.I recorded… pic.twitter.com/gwd21XLhhO— Artem Russakovskii (@ArtemR) December 1, 2023 For those...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/the_reading_mode_app_on_android_now_works_with_gmail_and_some_social_media_apps-news-61555.php

Deals: OnePlus 12 and 12R are now available in the US, Google cuts Pixel prices

Pre-orders are done and the OnePlus 12 series is now available. The flagship OnePlus 12 is available with a free storage upgrade, meaning that $800 buys you 16GB of RAM and 512GB storage. Try getting that out of Samsung or Google. A quick overview of this Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 powered phone shows a 6.82” QHD+ display, a 120Hz LTPO panel with 10-bit colors. There’s also a 50MP main, 64MP 3x tele and 48MP ultra wide cameras with Hasselblad calibration. OnePlus brought back wireless charging (50W) to complement the wired charging (80W) for the 5,400mAh battery (30 minutes to full for the wired...

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/deals_oneplus_12_and_12r_are_now_available_in_the_us_google_cuts_pixel_prices-news-61541.php