Monday, August 23, 2021

Comparing the new high-rangers: iQOO 8 Pro vs Xiaomi Mix 4

This month, iQOO and Xiaomi introduced two high range smartphones— iQOO 8 Pro v/s Xiaomi Mix 4. Both smartphones cost the same i.e; € 660 (~INR 57,000). Though they share some common specs but still differ in some areas. Here we will emphasize the differences between the two devices based on their key specs and other details.

iQOO 8 Pro vs Xiaomi Mix 4

Must see: Android Studio Arctic Fox is now official to download with V2020.3.1 

Talking about similarities, iQOO 8 Pro and Xiaomi Mix 4 offers an HDR10+ panel with a 120Hz refresh rate that supports Dolby Vision. The smartphone does not allow the user to expand memory but it provides UFS 3.1 type storage with up to 512GB configuration with 12GB RAM.

Underneath the screen, iQOO 8 Pro and Mi Mix 4 run the latest stable channel, Android 11 with OEM's respective skin. An octa-core processor-based Snapdragon 888+ 5G chipset powers the devices paired with Adreno 660 GPU. A 4,500 mAh battery backs up the handsets with 120W of fast charging support and 50W of fast wireless charging. 

The other similarities include dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, and GPS connectivity. Alongside, the smartphones have an under-display fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass on board.

Now that we are aware of the indistinguishable aspects of iQOO 8 Pro and Mi Mix 4, let's see the non-identical details of the devices. In short, the handsets are at odds in terms of display, camera, platforms, and more. See the table below for a better understanding.

[table id=26 /]

We hope that now you can make a smart choice between iQOO 8 Pro and Xiaomi Mix 4. Stay tuned with the GoAndroid team for more information and news about Android.
Related: Comparison of Honor 50 Pro vs Mi 11 Lite 5G: Upper Mid Range Devices

Android 11 update for Nokia 3.4 is hitting the wave 1 markets

HMD Global is not performing well if we talk about releasing updates. After unfurling Android 11 to Nokia 1.3 and Nokia X20 5G. A Geekbench report suggested that Nokia 3.4 will get the latest stable Android version. It seems that the listing stands true as the Android 11 package is rolling out to Nokia 3.4.

Nokia 3.4

Make sure to visit: Android Studio Arctic Fox is now official to download with V2020.3.1

Though the company has not published the official changelog. However, the firmware will bear all that we expect from Android 11. The new operating system will add chat bubbles, notification history, priority chat function, improved media controls, one-time-permission improvements, dark theme schedule, smart device controls, and many more features.

The news was released via an official Nokia community post which stated, “Android 11 update for the Nokia 3.4 will be rolled out in waves to ensure a smooth rollout." The first wave of rollout comes in almost 40 countries including India. Check out if your device will drive Android 11 from the list below.


  • Australia

  • Austria (A1 AT, T-Mobile AT)

  • Bahrain

  • Belgium

  • Cambodia

  • Denmark

  • Egypt

  • Estonia

  • Finland

  • France

  • Germany

  • Hong Kong

  • Iceland

  • India

  • Iran

  • Iraq

  • Jordan

  • Laos

  • Latvia

  • Lebanon

  • Lithuania

  • Luxembourg

  • Macau

  • Malaysia

  • Nepal

  • Netherlands

  • Norway

  • Oman

  • Philippines

  • Portugal

  • Qatar

  • Saudi Arabia

  • Spain

  • Sri Lanka

  • Sweden

  • Switzerland

  • Thailand

  • UAE

  • Vietnam





According to the Nokia community post, the update is live to 30% of these approved markets. While 50% of the countries will receive the build by August 21st and 22nd. After the successful planned rollout, all these markets will be hit by the Android 11 for Nokia 3.4.
Read more: [Update: August 2021 Security Patch] Nokia 7.2 Updates Tracker

Saturday, August 21, 2021

Xiaomi is sending MIUI 12.5 update to the Redmi 8

The MIUI 12.5 skin by Xiaomi is a minor upgrade over the MIUI 12 that serves as a bridge to reach MIUI 13. Earlier this month, the Redmi 8 trio has already received the latest build in India. Now, the Redmi 8 is grabbing a similar treatment globally that comes with Android 11 based MIUI 12.5.

Redmi 8

Must see: List of smartphones to get Android 12 based ColorOS 12

As mentioned, the latest software for the Redmi 8 is rolling out globally in a stable phase. Arriving on build version V12.5.1.0.QCNMIXM, the package enhances the safety of the device by inculcating the July 2021 security patch alongside all the features of the skin.

Concerning features, MIUI 12.5 will refine your user experience. Also, the company has issued a detailed changelog for this update. Meanwhile, you can also check the best of the MIUI 12.5 feature in our dedicated article.

Changelog




  • System

    • New: Response to gestures is now instant.

    • New: With 20 times more rendering power, there are now few limits to what you can see on your screen.

    • New: With custom device model adjustments, any phone becomes faster after the upgrade.

    • Optimization: MIUI became lighter, faster, and more durable.

    • Updated Android Security Patch to July 2021. Increased system security.





  • Notes

    • New: Compose mind maps with complex structures.

    • New: New tools for doodling and sketching.

    • New: Press and hold a sketch to adjust the strokes automatically.

    • New: A gesture shortcut now allows you to create notes, tasks, and excerpts anywhere.

    • New: Excerpts save text, URLs, and images to Notes in a few simple taps.

    • New: Dynamic layouts bring the typography in Notes to a new level.

    • All-new Notes.




As always, the OTA update is having an incremental rollout and will take time to reach all units. But you can also track the update via the Settings app > Software update > Check for update > Download and install. In case, you can also flash the recovery ROM by clicking here.

Related: Redmi Note 8T gets Android 11 update (Download link included) 

Xiaomi Mi 11T 5G surfaces on FCC with model number 21081111RG

Besides rapidly updating the current flagships, Xiaomi is also focusing on production. After the successful launch of the Mi 11 series which includes – Mi 11, Mi 11 Lite, Mi 11 Lite 5G, Mi 11i, Mi 11X, Mi 11X Pro, Mi 11 Pro, and Mi 11 Ultra. The Chinese giant is fabricating another device for the lineup, Mi 11T 5G which has recently bagged the FCC certification.

Xiaomi Mi 11T 5G

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Recently, the moniker was also confirmed by the IMEI database. Now that the smartphone has passed major certifications, we are getting closer to the launch. The listing of MI 11T 5G in these sites has revealed some key specifications.

As the name suggests, the smartphone supports a 5G network and has 7 5G bands on board including n5,n7,n38,n41,n66,n77, and n78. The FCC documentation divulges the design of Mi 11T 5G with a rectangular slot booked for the camera at the upper-left side of the device. Beneath, there's a company logo is placed at the bottom left corner.

Xiaomi Mi 11T 5G is expected to feature an OLED display offering a 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the handset will probably keep the Snapdragon 888 chipset running. For shooting purposes, it is likely to house a triple rear camera consisting of a 64MP sensor alongside a flashlight. Mi 11T 5G will run the latest stable channel, Android 11 out of the box with MIUI 12.5 on top. Further, the device could ship with a 5,000 mAh battery with 65W of fast charging support.

At the time of writing this, Xiaomi has no official words regarding the launch, pricing, or availability of Mi 11T 5G. However, some leaks suggest that it could debut on September 23 at a global launch event at a price of INR 27,999.
Read more: Xiaomi pushes the MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition update to the first batch of eligible devices!

The first update for Galaxy Watch 4 is released ahead of its launch

After some leaks and rumors, Galaxy Watch 4 is now almost a week apart from us. Before the launch, Samsung decided to release the very first update to the upcoming wearable. The build emphasizes polishing the overall experience. This could probably work as a sale strategy as well.

Galaxy Watch 4

Make sure to visit: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs Galaxy Watch 4 Classic: Comparison

The latest firmware version R8xxXXU1BUH5 weighing around 290MB will be waiting for you when you purchase the Wear OS-powered watch. According to the changelog, the software enhances the stability of the wearable. Alongside, it improves performance by fixing bugs, and refining existing features.

This is a gift from Samsung to the audience who have pre-booked or planning to buy the Galaxy Watch 4 or Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. The first build will be available through the wearable app and will reach out soon as the user syncs their smartwatch with the smartphone.

Galaxy Watch 4

Moreover, unlike the rest of Wear OS smartwatches, the one from Samsung will run the proprietary One UI launcher. This will help the bands to coordinate more smoothly with the Galaxy ecosystem. Additionally, if you have another new Samsung product, Galaxy Z Flip 3 in your hand, you can also sync the watch faces with the device.

The soon-to-launch wearables will run the latest version of Wear OS developed by the Samsung Google alliance. However, the virtual updating process is still the same. Also, Google claims that the new Wear platform will offer more apps and watch faces as well as fitness features from Fitbit.
Read more: [Update: August 2021 Security Patch] Samsung Galaxy A71 Update Tracker

Friday, August 20, 2021

Best Smartwatch for 10-Year-Old Kids in 2021

Just like smartphones, smartwatches are also becoming a persistent part of everyone's regular life. Be it aged people, adults, teenagers, or kids, smart wearables have proved to be imperative with their extensive features and continuous evolution.

Smartwatch

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Talking about the kid's smartwatches, you might be wondering why a kid would need a smartwatch? But let us tell you, there are several reasons for this.

  • Firstly, the smartwatches for kids come with parental control thus, are secure as they can comfortably give access to some limited features.

  • Secondly, With advanced options, the parents can also track the real-time location of their child using GPS.

  • Thirdly, All smartwatches now are pre-installed with health monitoring features. The BP, SpO2, stress level, heart rate, and several other aspects can be measured constantly, that too without putting in any extra effort.

  • Similarly, the watches offer activity monitoring features as well. Being physically active is undoubtedly important for everyone including kids. Where kids are busy with smartphones these days, this feature ensures that the child is active enough to live a healthy lifestyle.


Without further ado, considering the above points, let's move ahead and look at which are the perfect and Best Smartwatch smartwatch options for Your 10-Year-Old

Best Smartwatch for 10-Year-Old Kids in 2021




  • Apple Watch SE




The Apple Watch SE is the company's lower-cost Watch option offering several Series 6 features. Launched in September of 2020, the smartwatch offers an S5 chip, an optical heart rate sensor, an always-on altimeter, and fall detection, and more. Almost every feature of Series 6 is on board except the blood oxygen sensor and ECG.

Apple Watch SE

The watch is water-resistant to 50m and supports a gyroscope and accelerometer. That implies it can monitor steps taken, stairs climbed, and calories burned. Moreover, it monitors health in terms of checking heart rate, sleep tracking. Plus, the watch also enables to check orientation with the compass and make calls with SOS in case of any emergency.

Apple Watch SE can be used with a family setup with the LTE + GPS variant. It has a Retina LTPO OLED display with a screen size of 1.78 inches. The panel offers a 3D Touch display with 1GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage. The watch powers a Dual-core processor-based Apple S5 chipset that equips watchOS 7.0 on board. It supports wireless charging that gives a standby time of up to 18 hours.


  • Amazfit Bip U Pro




The Amazfit Bip U Pro will also motivate your child to be fit and active by providing continuous reminders (if enabled). The watch will track physical activities as steps walked, distance covered, calories intake, calories burned. Moreover, it keeps checking your heath by continuously monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen level, and stress level.

Amazfit Bip U Pro

The wearable is a powerful combination of functionality and style that provides a 9 days battery backup on a single charge. Also, the watch can be paired with a smartphone to take easy control of notifications, music, and more directly on your wrist. It is waterproof and lightweight thus, comfortable to wear without any risk.

The 1.43 inch TFT LCD display of the watch gives you a comfortable viewing experience. Bip U Pro offers Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity with Alexa support on top. With over 60+ sports modes, the watch is equipped enough to track almost every physical activity. It is compatible with both Android 5 and high versions or iOS 10 and above.


  • Fitbit Ace 3




With fun fitness activities and motivating challenges, Fitbit Ace 3 is specially designed for champs aged six and above. Like the rest of the smartwatches, this also tracks all-day physical activity including running, hiking, and cycling. The animated clock faces and rewards for fitness achievements prove to be attracting the age group.

Fitbit Ace 3

On top of that, it tracks sleep and enables bedtime reminders and silent alarms. Alongside, the wearable is waterproof up to 50 meters and offers heart rate tracking. The LiPo battery can last up to eight days and takes two hours to charge fully. To serve connectivity, the watch has Bluetooth v4.2 on board.

Fitbit Ace 3 features a PMOLED display with a 1.47-inch screen with a physical home button. The smartwatch is compatible with both Android and iOS platforms. To mention, the all-day data of the kid will be accessible to their parents via the Fitbit app.


  • Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3




Garmin Vivofit Jr 3 completes all the aspects you'd wish in a kids tracker. It makes physical activity fun for them by adding friendly competition with friends that can teach them about responsibility. The wearable is available in different themes like Iron Man, Disney Princess models, Avengers, and more.

Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3

It offers features like sleep tracking and records steps and movements taken throughout the day. The best part is it reports back to kids about their efforts and activity. The screen size measures 14.11mm each way and is extremely light to handle. Furthermore, there's an ICE screen installed, which enables them to put emergency contacts on the display.


  • Angel Watch




Angel Watch allows the parents to locate, monitor, and communicate with their kids while connected to an Android or iOS device. The tracker here is continuous and real-time via accurate multi-source location tracking with geofencing. The best part is there is no connection to the internet, so your little one is safe from all types of social distractions. 

Angel Watch

Along with this, you can contact your kid whenever he's not with you through Reliable cellular & HD Video calling and messaging. The wearable keeps an eye on the body temperature, Blood pressure, Blood oxygen, and heart rate. Like the above-mentioned watches, this also has a dedicated SOS button that will be beneficial in case of an emergency.

Angel Watch features a 240X240 pixel resolution with a 2 MP camera. It equips a memory card slot that is compatible to house up to 32GB of expandable storage. Additionally, the wearable ships with a complimentary SIM card that also allows to block incoming out outgoing calls.


  • XPLORA X5 Play




Xplora X5 Play is not specially designed for kids but is a good option to go for. The wearable is equipped to perform all the functions of a typical smartwatch. This includes making and receiving calls from your contact book, receives and reply to messages in any form like emojis, images, or voice.

XPLORA X5 Play

To serve in an emergency, it carries an SOS button so the child can reach you easily and share the location. Concerning location services feature, the band has multiple services to show the device's location. Also, key locations like home and school can be set as primary Safety Zones.

Xplora X5 Play is compatible with a range of networks and can even be connected to WiFi to lower costs. Underneath the 1.4-inch screen, the watch has a SpeedTalk Mobile SIM and a 2 MP camera with 4GB of storage. Also, it is IP68 rated Water resistant up to 1.5m.


  • TickTalk 4




TickTalk 4 is a 4G/LTE-enabled smartwatch crafted for the age group between 5-12. Serving new parental controls, locating capability, and reminders the watch is also a secure platform for messaging and video/ voice calling. It streams free music by iHeartRadio offering thousands of kid-friendly songs, podcasts, stories, and more. Also, the watch has a dual 5MP selfie and video recording camera.

TickTalk 4

Like other standard watches, this one also keeps track of walking and counts steps. The wearable aims to provide technology with a focus on safety, connection, and building better habits. The parents will instantly receive a notification in the TickTalk app if the kid adds any new friends to the list. You kid can also compete with others in Step Championship and earn gold, silver, and bronze medals.

With extra parental control features like watch calls and text logs, TickTalk 4 allows no internet or social media access. So, your child is safe with zero distractions. In addition to real-time location, the parents can also access the past locations and track the lost watch using Wi-Fi, GPS, or cellular tower signals.


  • Little Tikes




Little Tikes is different from all of the watches listed above. It flaunts a playful design with moveable robot arms and legs. Sounds fun right? well, this adds on the sound effects and 100+ expressions. This will keep your champ busy dancing, playing, learning, and more. The watch has a lot of games pre-installed like an up and active augmented reality Search & Seek game, dance activity game, and more.

Little Tikes

Playing these games unlocks some rewards that encourage them to play more. Moreover, it's a fully functional wearable with a clock, calendar, stopwatch, timer, reminders, and alarm clock. Also, there's a dual native camera to record videos and capture pictures that can be edited by adding fun and silly stickers. 

Little Tikes features a kid-friendly touchscreen backed up by a rechargeable battery over a micro-USB cable. Measuring 6.99 x 13.72 x 27.94 cm in dimensions, the watch weighs 322g. It can store a maximum of 3,000 photos or 30 minutes of video.

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[Update: July 2021 Security Patch] Samsung Galaxy M01 Updates Tracker

Samsung launched the Galaxy M01 in June 2020, featuring a 5.7-inch PLS IPS display. On the top, the phone boots with Android 10 paired with 32GB of internal storage and 3GB RAM. Under the hood, the phone is powered by an Octa-core processor based on Snapdragon 439 Chipset. The rear panel houses a 13MP + 2MP dual rear camera while a 5MP selfie camera is placed on the other side.

Galaxy M01s
Must see: Download Galaxy M40 stock wallpapers and ringtones 

Note: The update tracker will be updated with every build released for the device.

Galaxy M01 Updates Tracker



  • [August 20, 2021]: The Galaxy M01 smartphone is grabbing month-old safety maintenance in India. The July 2021 security patch is arriving on the firmware version M015GXXU3BUH1. The package addresses around 20 security and privacy-related bugs but it does not carry any fresh feature or addition.

  • [April 28, 2021]: The Galaxy M01 is receiving an Android 11 based One UI 3.1. After flashing the update, the safety level has reached to March 2021 patch. It carries the build number M015GXXU3BUD9, which weighs less than 1.5GB in size. Visit our dedicated article to look for the fresh feature the package carries.


The OTA firmware will have a phase-wise rollout for testing. So, don't get impatient if it takes some time to hit your phone. The update can also be checked manually via Settings > Software updates and check for the updates. If the update popups, tap on download and install to experience the latest security patch.
Related: [Update: August 2021 Security Patch] Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Update Tracker

[Update: August 2021 Security Patch] Nokia 7.2 Updates Tracker

HMD Global unveiled the Nokia 7.2 in September 2019 with an IPS LCD display of 6.3 inches with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It powers Android 9 Pie coupled with up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB internal storage. Under the hood, it equips a Quad-core processor-based Snapdragon 660 SoC and Adreno 512 GPU. Nokia 7.2 packs a 48MP triple sensor at the rear and a single 20MP snapper on the other side.

Nokia 7.2 India Launch

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Note: This is an update tracker and will be updated with every build released for the Nokia 7.2 smartphone.

Nokia 7.2 Updates Tracker


The updates are listed in descending order, i.e; the latest one is placed at the top.

  • [August 20, 2021]: Nokia 7.2 units in Egypt are grabbing a new software update that carries the August 2021 security patch. The current security maintenance weighs 8.19 MB in size. Besides this, the package does not include any new additions, the security, and stability of the smartphone are enhanced though.

  • [February 23, 2021]: Nokia 7.2 is grabbing February 2021 security patch update in India and Europe. The update weighs over 41.80MB and 4.59MB depending upon carrier and location. Apart from the security patch, there’s no additional feature or fix that is part of the new update. But internally, several new security enhancements and fixes will optimize the overall security of the device.

  • [April 3, 2020]: Nokia 7.2 starts rolling out the stable Android 10 update. The package includes Android 10 with all its goodies along with March 2020 security patch. Along with the expected features of the new OS, the build also brings VoWiFi support for Airtel users that means WiFi calling is available on Nokia 7.2. To know what features Android 10 adds to your device, click here.


The OTA update will reach out to all units in a short while. But, you can always track the build manually by heading to Settings > About > Software updates. Also, we advise users to switch over to a WiFi network before downloading the update to avoid additional charges.
Related: [Update: August 2021 Security Patch] Samsung Galaxy S9, S9+ Updates Tracker

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Xiaomi sends stable MIUI 12.5 update to the Poco M2 in India

Xiaomi is swiftly sending updates to all of its eligible devices. Following its rollout schedule, the company’s sub-brand Poco M2 is receiving a new software update in India that brings MIUI 12.5.

Poco M2
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The latest update for the Poco M2 is rolling out on firmware version V12.5.1.0.RJRINXM. While the build is presently live in India, the units in other countries will grab similar treatment soon.

Concerning changes, the build adds a whole new Notes app with several features. Moreover, the system performance is now enhanced with 20 times more rendering power. The gesture response is smooth and instant. Also, after flashing the update, the security patch will be upgraded to August 2021.

Changelog



  • System

    • New: Response to gestures is now instant.

    • New: With 20 times more rendering power, there are now few limits to what you can see on your screen.

    • New: With custom device model adjustments, any phone becomes faster after the upgrade.

    • Optimization: MIUI became lighter, faster, and more durable.
      Updated Android Security Patch to August 2021. Increased system security.

    • Stable MIUI based on Android 11



  • Notes

    • New: Compose mind maps with complex structures.

    • New: New tools for doodling and sketching.

    • New: Press and hold a sketch to adjust the strokes automatically.

    • New: A gesture shortcut now allows you to create notes, tasks, and excerpts anywhere.

    • New: Excerpts save text, URLs, and images to Notes in a few simple taps.

    • New: Dynamic layouts bring the typography in Notes to a new level.

    • All-new Notes.




If you own a Poco M2, you may have to wait as the update is presently limited. However, a border rollout will follow soon after ensuring the absence of bugs. But you can flash the recovery ROM by clicking here.
Related: Mi 10T & 10T Pro (Global) receives stable MIUI 12.5 Update!