Thursday, December 30, 2021

Comparing allies: Xiaomi 12 vs Xiaomi 12 Pro

The much-awaited Xiaomi 12 series is finally official. The lineup includes three smartphones— Xiaomi 12, Xiaomi 12 Pro, and Xiaomi 12X. Considering that the latter model is an upper-midrange phone, we will emphasize the former two smartphones. Here you can compare the Mi 12 and Mi 12 Pro based on their key specifications.

Xiaomi 12 vs Xiaomi 12 Pro

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Before we start comparing, take a look at the common grounds of the Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12 Pro.

  • Screen: Despite having different screen types, the devices have some same things to offer. This includes an HDR10+ display with 1B colors, 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision support, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection.

  • Processor: Be it the standard variant or the pro model, you will get an Octa-core CPU and Adreno 730 GPU. They draw power from Snapdragon 8 Gen1, which is the best Qualcomm SoC ever.

  • Software: As promised by the company, both Mi 12 and Mi 12 Pro boost the latest stable channel, Android 12 out of the box paired with MIUI 13 on top.

  • Storage Configuration: Though the prices will be different for both smartphones, the memory options available will stand at 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, and 256GB 12GB RAM.

  • Front Cam: The rear camera lenses are different but the front snapper is identical. Both phones have a 32 MP sensor that supports HDR and panorama photography.

  • Connectivity and Sensors: The standard connectivity options like dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, NFC, etc remains the same. So is the case with sensors, including an under-display and optical Fingerprint reader.


Also see: Best smartphones under $200

Now that you know what will not change whichever phone you buy, let's move to the differences. Here we have crafted a table so you can take an easy glimpse.

Xiaomi 12 vs Xiaomi 12 Pro


[table id=52 /]

We hope that your confusion between the two devices is now clear and, you have made the right choice for yourself! Also, don't forget to let us know in the comment section below.
Related: Comparing the foldables: Oppo Find N vs Galaxy Z Fold 3

Android 12 One UI 4.0 update reaches out to original Galaxy Z Flip

It seems that Samsung wants to make the best of the year. Even in the end, the company is rapidly gifting new experiences to every possible user. In fact, it has updated two handfuls of devices in a couple of weeks. The next to join the list is the original Galaxy Z Flip.

June 2020 Security-Update-Galaxy Z Flip International

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The Android 12 One UI 4.0 package is rolling out for the Galaxy Z Flip and the Galaxy Z Flip 5G. As of now, the software is limited to Italy and Switzerland respectively. It should soon make way to more regions in the coming weeks. The device debuted in February last year with Android 10 out of the box.

Undeniably, Samsung is ahead of all other OEMs in the race of updates. However, we do hope that this speed does not invite any critical lags in the user experience. To recall, the same build for Galaxy S21 and the third-gen foldables was buggy, due to which the rollout had to be paused. But Samsung resumed it soon after the glitches were addressed. Hopefully, this will not be the case with any other Galaxy device.

If you own a Galaxy Z Flip or Galaxy Z Flip 5G in any of the respective countries, you can taste the new software as an OTA. To avoid the wait, navigate to the Software update menu under the Settings app to track the update manually.
Related: Surprise: Galaxy Tab S7 & Tab S7+ getting Android 12 update!

Vivo S12 series launched in China for $440

Vivo has come up with a new mid-range series in China— Vivo S12. The lineup includes two devices, namely Vivio S12 and S12 Pro. The smartphones are up for purchase in China in three color variants of Island Blue, Warm Gold, and Shiny Black. Take a look at these smartphones in detail.

Vivo S12 series

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Talking about the Vivo S12, the phone features a 6.44-inch HDR10+ AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it equips an octa-core processor-based MediaTek Dimensity 1100 chipset. Further, it boosts the Android 11 operating system paired with OriginOS Ocean skin on top.

In the optics department, Vivo S12 houses a triple rear camera that consists of a 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. On the other side, 44MP and 8MP sensors serve as the front camera.

The storage options available is 256GB paired with 8GB and 12GB RAM respectively. Also, it ships with a 4,200mAh battery that supports 44W of fast charging.

Vivo S12

Moving forth to Vivo S12 Pro, the device offers a 6.56-inch AMOLED HDR10+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate. It equips the successor chipset, MediaTek Dimensity 1200, while the devices remain the same on the software front.

Moreover, the capacity of the rear camera remains similar i.e 108MP triple rear sensors. However, you get an upgrade in the front-facing camera. For selfies and video calls, it carries a 50MP primary shooter and an 8MP ultra-wide secondary lens.

In addition, it arrives in three storage configurations: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, and 256GB 12GB RAM. A 4,300mAh battery keeps the lights up with 44W of fast charging support.

Vivo S12 Pro

Price and Availability


The Vivo S12 series is available for purchase in China. The lower model of Vivo S12 will cost 2,799 yuan ($440), while the upper model is priced at 2,999 yuan ($471). Similarly, the prices set for Vivo S12 Pro are 3,399 yuan ($534) and 3,699 yuan ($581) depending upon the variant you choose.
Read more: Vivo and iQOO timeline for OriginOS Ocean update (China)

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Surprise: Galaxy Tab S7 & S7+ getting Android 12 update!

Samsung is busy with the deployment of the Android 12 package. So far, the company has released it to top-tier flagships like Galaxy S21, Galaxy S20, Galaxy Note 20, and foldable. Surprisingly, the next in line to join the update group is the Galaxy Tab S7 series.

Galaxy Tab S7+

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The Galaxy Tab S7 lineup was launched in August 2020 with Android 10 OS pre-installed. As of now, the latest Android 12 x One UI 4.0 package for the series is rolling out in the European market. Hopefully, it will soon make its way to more regions over the next few days. The build bears the firmware version T870BXXU2CULC for Galaxy Tab S7, while it arrives on the T976BXXU2CULC version for the Galaxy Tab S7+.

Along with all the Android 12 goodies tossed with extensive One UI 4.0 features, the package also increases security by inculcating the December 2021 security patch. The package is available in various countries. You can check out from the list below if your region is getting a hit:


  • Austria

  • Baltic countries

  • Bulgaria

  • Czech Republic

  • Germany

  • Greece

  • Hungary

  • Italy

  • Luxembourg

  • Netherlands

  • Nordic Countries

  • Poland

  • Portugal

  • Romania

  • Slovakia

  • Slovenia

  • Southeast Europe

  • Spain

  • Switzerland

  • UK



The update will reach out to your Galaxy Tab S7 or S7+ as an OTA. To avoid the wait, you can track the build manually by heading to SettingsSoftware update, tap on Download and install if the firmware pops up.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy M33 hits Geekbench with Exynos 1200 5G SoC

OPPO Reno 5 5G and Reno 6 5G gets stable ColorOS 12 update

After the OPPO Reno 6 Pro 5G and Reno 5 Pro 5G, the company is releasing the Android 12 based ColorOS 12 update to the standard variants. As per the December 2021 roadmap, the OPPO Reno 5 5G and Reno 6 5G are getting the latest stable package.

ColorOS 12

 

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For the Oppo Reno 5 5G, the first update batch is rolling out in Indonesia. While the package is making its way to Indonesia, India, Vietnam, and China for Reno 6 5G. The interested users can submit their application and try the Official version.

Prior to flashing the update, make sure your Reno 5 5G and Reno 6 5G operate on build numbers A.30 and A.18 respectively. Thereafter, you can identify the new software via firmware version C.41 for the Reno 5 5G. While for Reno 6 5G, it arrives on C.26.

Oppo introduced ColorOS 12 as the “Best custom version of Oppo”. The skin aims to provide a new inclusive UI, smoother performance, and rich features for a seamless experience. Read the ColorOS 12 features and more by tapping on the button below.

All about Oppo ColorOS 12


As always, the software is currently rolling out in batch and is available for limited users as of now. You can submit your application to be a first batch member. If you are a ColorOS 12 beta tester, the software will reach out to you directly as an OTA. There is no need to click on early adopters to apply.
Read more: Check out Oppo's new ColorOS update policy here!

Realme UI 3.0 Early Access Beta is live for Realme GT Neo 2T

Realme is providing the opportunity for Realme GT Neo 2T users to experience its next-gen customized skin before its official release. The Realme UI 3.0 Early Access Beta program is live for smartphone users in China.

Realme GT NEO 2T

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The interested Realme GT Neo 2T users can enroll themselves in the Android 12 based Realme UI 3.0 beta program. The Registration will be open from December 28. But as this is a closed beta registration, it will only be accessible to 1000 users. So, take no time and follow the below steps:

How to apply for early access beta program



  1. Head to phone Settings > Software update

  2. Look for the gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen

  3. Click upgrade and early adopters and tap on Trial Version

  4. Scroll down, submit your details and finish the quiz


Before applying, make sure your Realme GT Neo 2T operates on the required version A.12. Also, maintain your battery to at least 60% or above. Additionally, keep in mind that is an early software update so, your device may lag or get buggy after flashing the build.

As per Realme, the Realme UI 3.0 skin is “more fluid, the layout is more spatial, & the overall UI experience is more expressive.” It is said to come with a major overhaul in the UI, animation, features, and more, providing a seamless and smooth experience. You can dig the Realme UI 3.0 features by tapping on the below button.
Best Realme UI 3.0 features

Related: Realme GT 2 leaked via Geekbench with Snapdragon 888 SoC

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.

ZenFone 8 series

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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

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.

Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G

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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

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.

Android 12 One UI 4.0

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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