Asus ZenFone 8 & 8 Flip gets Android 12 update

Following other OEMs, Asus has also started with the deployment of the latest operating system. After two months of testing, the Asus ZenFone 8 and ZenFone 8 Flip becomes the first flagship from the company to get an Android 12 update.

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The Android 12 package for the ZenFone 8 can be identified by the firmware version 31.1004.0404.73. For the ZenFone 8 Flip, the build arrives on 31.1004.0404.61 version. The package carries all the Android 12 goodies with a revamped UI. Also, the company has shared a list of changes that you can check out below.

Release Note

1. Please back up your data before upgrading to Android 12. If you want to downgrade the software version to Android 11 by the official software package, it will erase all data from your device.


2. Upgraded system to Android 12


3. Revamped Mobile Manager, Contacts, Phone, File Manager, Calculator, Clock, Gallery, Weather, Sound recorder, Settings, Data Transfer, Local backup, Setup wizard, System update apps


4. Adjusted Quick Settings panel, notification tray, and volume panel to Android 12 design


5. Added privacy dashboard, camera and microphone indicators, show clipboard access, approximate location access, and microphone access features


6. Replaced ASUS Safeguard with Android 12 Emergency SOS


7. Introduced new widget page design in Launcher. Adjusted the position of the screenshot option and removed the hot seat app icons on the Overview page


8. Removed the Quick Settings layout option in the Display settings


9. ASUS Phone removed SIP calling support as Android 12 does not natively support SIP calling


10. Some 3rd party apps are not compatible with Android 12 yet

The OTA is having an incremental rollout. If you have an Asus ZenFone 8 or ZenFone 8 Flip, you will receive a pop-up notification anytime soon. Alternatively, you can check it manually via Settings > System > System updates.

Read more: List of Asus smartphones to get Android 12

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One UI 4.0 update for Galaxy Z Flip 3 & Z Fold 3 extends to more markets

A few weeks ago, Samsung released the official Android 12 One UI 4.0 update to the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3 in the home country. And now, it is extending to some European markets, including the Netherlands.

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The stable Android 12 package for the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3 in South Korea was littered with bugs. It forced the company to halt the rollout and delay it for wider release. Soon after, the glitches were resolved and the deployment was resumed. Moving forward, Samsung has finally started to expand its software.

As mentioned, the latest build for Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is live in some European markets, including the Netherlands. It can be identified by the firmware version F711xxxS2BUL6 for Galaxy Z Flip 3. While for the Galaxy Z Fold 3, the update arrives on version number F926xxxS1BUL6.

Needless to say, it bears all the goodies we expect from the latest stable channel. It renders a whole new experience of using your foldable. You get revamped widget design, more fluid performance, and a variety of exciting additions. Moreover, the build inculcates the current security maintenance, December 2021.

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 or Galaxy Z Fold 3 users in Europe can either wait for the OTA update or track it manually. To do so, visit the Software Update section under the Settings app and click on Download and install.

Read more: Samsung Galaxy M33 hits Geekbench with Exynos 1200 5G SoC

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Stable Android 12 One UI 4.0 update makes way for Galaxy S20 and Note 20

Samsung is releasing the stable Android 12 x One UI 4.0 update to the Galaxy S20 and Note 20 series. With this, the company has made its position even stronger in the race of updates. The users have got this holiday gift after the lineups were under testing for a month.

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For now, the package is rolling out in Switzerland for the Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, Galaxy S20 Ultra, and the Galaxy S20 FE. The other markets could join the group in the next few days. Maybe, the software will extent after Samsung makes sure that there are no annoying glitches onboard. But we hope that's not the case this time, and the update works as it is expected.

To mention, it is appreciable how Samsung is keeping up with its update schedule and adhering to its words. Recently, the company's beta operations manager in Korea said that no new betas will be released for the Galaxy S20 series. In fact, the company is “preparing to open the official version”. 

If you are a Galaxy owner who wants to see when their phone will get the fresh update, you can check out Samsung's official rollout timeline by tapping on the button below.

Android 12 One UI 4.0 update timeline for Galaxy devices (Official)

The Android 12 based One UI 4.0 software will reach out to your Galaxy S20 or Note 20-series devices as an OTA. Alternatively, you can head over to Settings > Software update > Download and install to track the build manually.

Read more: Samsung releases One UI 4.0 Beta 3 to Galaxy S10 and Note 10

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Realme GT 2 leaked via Geekbench with Snapdragon 888 SoC

Last week, the entire specs of Realme GT 2 were leaked via TENAA's listing. Now, the smartphone has arrived on the Geekbench benchmarking website. With the device's listing on these certifications, the smartphone is already in lights, hinting at an imminent launch.

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The Realme GT 2 smartphone bears the model number RMX3310. The smartphone scored 1125 in the single-core test and 3278 in multi-core tests. According to the Geekbench listing, the device will draw power from the last year’s Snapdragon 888 chipset under the hood. On the software front, it will boost the latest stable channel, Android 12 out of the box paired with Realme UI 3.1 on top. Also, it will offer 12GB of RAM onboard.

As per TENAA's listing, the Realme GT 2 will feature a 6.67-inch Quad HD+ AMOLED display. The panel comes with a 120Hz refresh rate and an in-display fingerprint sensor. In the optics department, the phone will carry a 32 MP front camera for selfies. The rear side will house a triple camera setup consisting of a 50 MP main sensor, a 50 MP secondary lens, and also a 2 MP snapper.

The Realme GT 2 will measure 162.9 x 75.8 x 8.6mm in dimensions and weigh 198.9 grams. In addition, it will pack a dual 2,440 mAh power cell, making it a total of 5,000 mAh. It will support 65W of wired charging. The Realme GT 2 series will include two smartphones— Realme GT 2 and Realme GT 2 Pro. The lineup is scheduled to launch in China on January 4, 2022.

Read more: Realme GT 5G get stable Android 12 Realme UI 3.0 package

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Stable Android 12 update is live for Galaxy Z Fold 2

Samsung is ahead of all other OEMs in the race of updates. So far, the Korean giant has released the stable Android 12 update to the Galaxy S21 series, Galaxy Z Flip 3, and the Galaxy Z Fold 3. The next in line to get the latest package based on One UI 4.0 is Galaxy Z Fold 2. The second-generation foldable smartphone was under testing since last month.

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For now, the stable Android 12 x One UI 4.0 software for the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is rolling out in European countries. It could extend to more regions after making sure that there are no critical bugs onboard. The users in the country can upgrade their devices to the firmware version F916BXXS2FULE which weighs around 2.5GB.

Samsung’s customized skin One UI 4.0 paired with Android 12 will render a whole new experience of using your foldable. To mention a few, it brings an overhaul to the UI with Material You design. Also, it emphasizes majorly on privacy by improving security, adding Privacy Dashboard, and more. To check the best of Android 12 features, tap on the below button.

Top Features of Android 12

Besides, Samsung has issued a detailed changelog that mentions a handful of new additions and optimizations. Moreover, the package inculcates the December 2021 security patch. You can zoom in and check out the screenshot below for precise details:



In case the OTA update does not hit your Galaxy Z Flip 2 automatically, you can navigate to Settings > Software update > Download and install.

Read more: Samsung Galaxy M33 hits Geekbench with Exynos 1200 5G SoC

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Xiaomi MIUI 13 update batches: List of Xiaomi smartphones

Xiaomi is supposed to debut its next-gen customized skin, MIUI 13 skin alongside the launch of the Mi 12 series in China. Recently, the first update batch was leaked that included a total of seven flagships. Now, we have all the updated plans that you can check out below.

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“MIUI is in full swing making every effort to improve and will definitely do better,” says Lei Jun, Xiaomi’s CEO. Just like Android 12, the MIUI 13 will arrive with a long-awaited visual overhaul. Moreover, the new skin will be more fluent as compared to MIUI 12.5 enhanced. Without further ado, look out where your device stands in the race of MIUI 13 update.

[December 28, 2021]: Stable MIUI 13 

• Mi Mix 4 V13.0.1.0.SKMCNXM


• Mi 11 Ultra V13.0.1.0.SKACNXM


• Mi 11 V13.0.1.0.SKBCNXM


• Mi 11 Lite 5G V13.0.1.0.SKICNXM


• Redmi K40 Pro / Plus V13.0.1.0.SKKCNXM


• Redmi K40 V13.0.1.0.SKHCNXM

[December 28, 2021]: MIUI 13 Beta

• Mi Mix 4


• Mi 11 Ultra / Pro


• Mi 11


• Mi 11 Lite 5G


• Xiaomi Civi


• Mi 10 Pro


• Mi 10S


• Mi 10


• Mi 10 Ultra


• Mi 10 Youth Edition


• Mi CC 9 Pro / Mi Note 10


• Mi Tab 5 Pro 5G


• Mi Tab 5 Pro


• Mi Tab 5


• Redmi K40 Pro / Pro+ / Mi 11i / Mi 11X Pro


• Redmi K40 / POCO F3 / Mi 11X


• Redmi K40 Gaming / POCO F3 GT


• Redmi K30 Pro / POCO F2 Pro


• Redmi K30S Ultra / Mi 10T


• Redmi K30 Ultra


• Redmi K30 5G


• Redmi K30i 5G


• Redmi K30 / POCO X2


• Redmi Note 11 5G / Redmi Note 11T


• Redmi Note 11 Pro / Pro+


• Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G / POCO X3 GT


• Redmi Note 10 5G / Redmi Note 10T / POCO M3 Pro


• Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G / Mi 10i / Mi 10T Lite


• Redmi Note 9 5G / Redmi Note 9T 5G


• Redmi Note 9 4G / Redmi 9 Power / Redmi 9T


• Redmi 10X 5G


• Redmi 10X Pro

MIUI 13 First Phase

• Redmi K40 Gaming


• Redmi K30S Ultra


• Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G


• Xiaomi CIVI


• Mi 10S


• Mi 10


• Mi 10 Pro


• Mi 10 Ultra


• Mi 11i


• Mi 11X Pro


• Mi 11X


• Mi 11 Lite


• Mi 11 Lite 5G


• Mi 10T


• Mi 10T Pro


• Redmi K30 Pro


• Redmi K30 Pro Zoom


• Redmi K30 4G


• Redmi K30 5G


• Redmi K30i 5G


• Redmi K30 5G Speed Edition


• Redmi K30S Ultra


• Xiaomi 11T


• Xiaomi 11T Pro


• POCO F2 Pro


• POCO F3


• POCO F3 GT


• POCO X3 Pro


• POCO X3 GT

MIUI 13 Second Phase

• Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE


• Mi 10 Lite


• Mi 10 Lite Zoom


• Mi 10i


• Mi 10T Lite


• Xiaomi Pad 5


• Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro


• Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 5G


• Redmi 10


• Redmi 10 Prime


• Redmi Note 10


• Redmi Note 10S


• Redmi Note 10 (China)


• Redmi Note 10 5G (Global)


• Redmi Note 10T (India)


• Redmi Note 10T (Russia)


• Redmi Note 11 (China)


• Redmi Note 11T (India)


• Redmi Note 11 JE (Japan)


• Redmi Note 11 Pro (China)


• Redmi Note 11 Pro+ (China)


• POCO M4 Pro 5G


• POCO X2

MIUI 13 Third Phase

• Redmi K30 Ultra


• Redmi K20


• Redmi K20 (India)


• Redmi K20 Pro


• Redmi K20 Pro (India)


• Redmi K20 Pro Premium Edition


• Mi 9


• Mi 9 SE


• Mi 9 Lite


• Mi 9 Pro 5G


• Mi 9T


• Mi 9T Pro


• Mi CC 9


• Mi CC 9 Pro


• Mi Note 10 / Pro


• Mi Note 10 Lite (Android 12)


• Redmi Note 8 2021


• Redmi Note 9 4G


• Redmi Note 9 5G


• Redmi Note 9T 5G


• Redmi Note 9S


• Redmi Note 9 Pro (India)


• Redmi Note 9 Pro (Global)


• Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G (China)


• Redmi Note 9 Pro Max


• Redmi Note 10 JE (Japan)


• Redmi Note 10 Lite (India)


• Redmi Note 10 Pro (India)


• Redmi Note 10 Pro Max (India)


• Redmi Note 10 Pro (Global)


• Redmi 9A


• Redmi 9AT


• Redmi 9i


• Redmi 9A Sport


• Redmi 9i Sport


• Redmi 9C


• Redmi 9C NFC


• Redmi 9 (India)


• Redmi 9 Activ (India)


• Redmi 9 Prime


• Redmi 9


• Redmi 10X 4G


• Redmi 9T


• Redmi 9 Power


• Redmi 10X 5G


• Redmi 10X Pro


• Redmi Note 8


• Redmi Note 8T


• Redmi Note 8 Pro


• Redmi Note 9


• POCO X3 (India)


• POCO X3 NFC


• POCO M3


• POCO M2 Pro


• POCO M3 Pro 5G


• POCO M2


• POCO M2 Reloaded


• POCO C3


• POCO C31


• Xiaomi MIX FOLD

Related: Android 12 based MIUI 13 Supported Devices List

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Samsung Internet Browser Update arrives in a Beta & Stable phase

Samsung offers one of the best internet browsers of its own which comes pre-installed with all Galaxy smartphones. The company keeps on making it better with new improvements. This time, it has released two different updates for the browser, one in beta, and the other in the stable phase.

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The Beta stage can be identified by version 16.0.6.23, while the stable phase arrives on the v16.0.5.6 version. With this update, Samsung intended to implement a more satisfying experience for the users. Both versions introduce some new enhancements and bug fixes.

Talking about the Beta version, it does not get any new addition but the build squashes a lot of annoying bugs. According to the changelog, the beta brings several fixes including the error that caused the keyboard to close. Also, unlike earlier, history will now be available always. Take a look at the changelog below for more details.

Beta Changelog

• Fixed error that caused the keyboard to close when typing in the address bar


• Solved freezing issue when swipe gestures performed during video playback in full screen


• Fixed error in which history was not being displayed on some devices


• Improved stability issues and apply new security patches

If you're the one flashing the stable version, the URL bar will move down to the bottom of your screen. In addition, the search experience will be enhanced and safe with priority connections. Here is the official changelog of the update.

Stable Changelog

• Move URL bar to the bottom (optional)


• HTTPS priority connection (Labs feature)


• Block tracking by invisible image (“Tracking Pixel”)


• Enhanced Search Experience in the URL bar

The updated versions are available for global users running Android 7 OS or later on their Galaxy smartphones.

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Samsung Galaxy M33 hits Geekbench with Exynos 1200 5G SoC

This year in August, Samsung launched the Galaxy M32 smartphone. Now, the company is spotted preparing its successor device. Galaxy M33 recently surfaced on the Geekbench benchmarking website. The smartphone already had multiple leaks and rumors. But, with the new listing, the picture has started to become more clear.

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Just like its predecessor, the Galaxy M33 will be a budget 5G smartphone with model number SM-M336BU. The smartphone scored 726 and 1,830 in the single-core and multi-core tests respectively. With the device's listing on the Geekbench, the launch seems to be imminent. Here's what the database website reveals.

Under the hood, the Galaxy M33 will draw power from an octa-core processor based on Exynos 1200 5G chipset. On the software front, the device will run Android 12 OS out of the box paired with One UI skin on top. It will be available in a single RAM variant of 6GB.



Further, the listing suggests the presence of a 6,000mAh battery that will keep the screen alive. In addition, we can say that the proprietary skin accompanying the operating system could be One UI 4.0.

According to leaks, the Galaxy M33 5G is likely to feature a 6.5-inch FHD+ display with a waterdrop notch. Also, the panel can be IP67 rated for dust and splash resistance. The phone is tipped to house a 13MP front snapper. A quad-camera module can be seen at the rear side led by a 64MP camera. The other lenses could be an 8MP, a 5MP, and a 2MP camera.

Read more: Samsung releases One UI 4.0 Beta 3 to Galaxy S10 and Note 10

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MIUI 12.5 update rolling out for Redmi 7A Globally

While Xiaomi is busy preparing its next-gen skin, the Redmi 7A is now upgrading to MIUI 12.5 based on Android 10. The smartphone hit the market in July 2019 with Android 9.0 based MIUI 10.2 pre-installed.

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The MIUI 12.5 update for Redmi 7A is available for global users. The package could soon extend to more regions in the next few days. The Android 10 based build bears the firmware version V12.5.2.0.QCMMIXM weighing around 1.9 GB in size.

Xiaomi issued a quite lengthy changelog for this update which includes revamped UI. Also, it brings tons of optimizations and new additions that increase the efficiency of the device. Here is the detailed changelog of the MIUI 12.5 update:

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.
  
  
  
  


• System Sounds
  
  
  
  • New: Nature mix is a new exciting way of creating your own notification sound system.
  
  
  • New: Hundreds of system sounds that represent animals from all around the world.
  
  
  
  


• System Animations
  
  
  
  • New: A new animation framework renders movement more realistically.
  
  
  • New: New UI design is focused on visualization and making your interaction with the device more lifelike.
  
  
  
  


• Notes
  
  
  
  • 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.
  
  
  • New: Compose mind maps with complex structures.
  
  
  • New: New tools for doodling and sketching.
  
  
  • All-new Notes.
  
  
  
  


• Play Protection
  
  
  
  • New: A comprehensive overview of all sensitive permissions.
  
  
  • New: You’ll be notified whenever high-risk permissions are used and will be able to block the corresponding actions.
  
  
  • New: Now you can see what apps access your clipboard and control access.
  
  
  • New: Using approximate location adds up points to privacy protection.
  
  
  • New: You can now manage sensitive permissions and related app behavior independently.
  
  
  • New: The behavior of web pages is also tracked now, which helps you to block unwanted and malicious actions.
  
  
  • New: Now it’s up to you who and when can track your online behavior.
  
  
  • New: All apps now come with a security statement from GetApps.
  
  
  • New: Privacy risk scanner.
  
  
  • New: Control which apps access and delete items from your Gallery.
  
  
  • Optimization: An all-new privacy protection page.
  
  
  
  


• IME
  
  
  
  • New: A more convenient way to move a cursor using the scrollbar.
  
  
  • New: Function buttons support switching between languages and keyboards.
  
  
  • New: You can press and hold the function buttons to access more features.
  
  
  • New: Custom themes for keyboards.
  
  
  
  


• Themes
  
  
  
  • New: Font weight adjustment options for third-party fonts.
  
  
  • Optimization: Personalization features for system wallpapers, animations, and sounds.
  
  
  
  


• Browser
  
  
  
  • New: Wallpaper customization in the lite mode.
  
  
  • Optimization: Redesigned Incognito mode.
  
  
  • Optimization: Pages load much faster now.
  
  
  
  

The OTA update is rolling out in batches. Thus, it may take a while to reach all units. Meanwhile, you can manually track the update via the Settings > Software update > Check for update.

Related: Redmi Note 8 gets MIUI 12.5 Enhanced update globally

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