India set to overtake the US, become the second largest smartphone market

The Moto Z2 Play made its official debut in India a few hours ago. One slide from the presentation caught our eye in particular. It featured the expectation that India will soon surpass the US as the second biggest smartphone market - a reoccurring theme among industry analysts. However, a pretty specific 127 million figure was also quoted, as the number of units the company believes will be shipped to India this year. We can only assume the OEM did some in-depth research, along with the necessary math, which gives a bit more credibility to the prediction as a whole. India is...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/india_is_set_to_overtake_the_us_and_become_the_second_largest_smartphone_market-news-25485.php

Andy Rubin's Essential raises $300M, now valued at $1B

Essential is the startup behind the Essential PH-1, and its latest financing round added $300 million to the bank accounts. Essential came to life from the tech incubator Playground Global. Rubin founded it after leaving its head of Android position at Google. Now he joins in the already stacked smartphone market with the Essential PH-1. Rubin also contacted SoftBank Group to include the startup in its $100 billion technology fund, but the deal collapsed after Apple joined the trust. With the latest financial boost Essential should have an easier time delivering the Essential...

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/essential_ph1_creator_raises_300m-news-25484.php

O2 UK will be carrying OnePlus 5

We already know that the OnePlus 5 will go official on June 20, but UK carrier O2 just can't wait any longer. In an attempt to capitalize on the hype surrounding the next flagship, O2 has confirmed that it will be carrying the phone. OnePlus 5 is even featured on the 'Coming Soon' page on the carrier's website although it reveals no details. Sadly, there's currently no information on when the carrier will start selling the device, and what price tag it will carry. The European pricing of the phone is expected to be around €550. Thanks for the tip, Ian David!!! O2 UK

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/o2_uk_will_be_carrying_oneplus_5-news-25483.php

Nokia 6, 5, 3, and 3310 (2017) land in Philippines

As expected, Nokia 6, 5, 3, as well as Nokia 3310 (2017) have been officially brought to the Philippines. The devices carry a price tag of PHP 11,990 ($240), PHP 9,990 ($200), PHP 6,990 ($140), and PHP 2,490 ($50), respectively. They'll go on sale towards the end of June. The devices recently arrived in the company's home country of Finland as well. The next market to get these Nokias should be Vietnam, where the launch/unveiling is expected to happen on June 10. India will follow on June 13. Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_6_5_3_and_3310_land_in_philippines-news-25481.php

ZTE A2018 spotted in benchmark listing

A mysterious ZTE smartphone was spotted on TENAA's website last month. Listed as ZTE A2018, the phone seemed to be a regional or lower cost version of the Axon 7s. Now, the same device has been spotted on benchmarking website GFXbench. The specs revealed by the listing are broadly inline with what TENAA had revealed. Sadly, there's still no information on exactly which device it is, but given that it has started gathering necessary certifications and has also appeared in benchmarks, we expect to hear more on it sooner than later. Source | Via

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_a2018_now_spotted_in_benchmark_listing-news-25480.php

Motorola Moto Z2 Play arrives in India for $435

The Motorola Moto Z2 Play, which was made official last week and has only been available in Brazil so far, has now arrived in India. The device costs INR 27,999 ($435). Pre-orders for the Moto Z2 Play start today in the Asian country. It will be available through both online and offline channels, with Flipkart being the official online sales partner. The pre-order period ends June 14. Those pre-ordering the phone will get some freebies, including 50% discount on selected mods and free armor pack. Flipkart

Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_z2_play_arrives_in_india_for_435-news-25482.php