iQOO 9 & iQOO 9 Pro launched with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC for $627

iQOO has come up with a new high-end series in China— iQOO 9. The lineup includes two devices, namely iQOO 9 and iQOO 9 Pro. The smartphones are up for purchase in China in three color variants of Black, Orange, and Legendary. Take a look at these smartphones in detail.

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Starting with the iQOO 9, the smartphone features a 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display. The panel offers an HDR10+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The screen size for the Pro variant remains the same. However, it sports a Quad HD+ curved E5 LTPO AMOLED screen with HDR10+ and a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz.

Under the hood, the iQOO 9 and 9 Pro draws power from the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset based on an octa-core processor and Adreno next-gen GPU. On the software front, both devices run on Android 12 OS along with OriginOS Ocean on top. They are available in three storage variants of up to 512GB and 12GB RAM.



The smartphones majorly in terms of camera. They house a triple camera unit at the back panel led by a 50MP primary sensor. For the iQOO 9, the other capabilities include a 13MP ultra-wide and a 13MP portrait camera. Whereas, the iQOO 9 Pro carries a 50MP ultra-wide and a 16MP portrait snapper. On the other side, there's a standard 16MP selfie shooter on both phones.

A 4700mAh battery keeps the screen lightened up with a help of 120W ultra-fast flash charging. The Pro model has an upper hand here as well as it also supports 50W of wireless charging and 10W of reverse wireless charging.

Price:

iQOO 9

8GB + 256GB: 3999 yuan (~627$)
12GB + 256GB: 4399 yuan (~689$)
12GB + 512GB: 4799 yuan (~752$)

iQOO 9 Pro

8GB + 256GB: 4999 yuan (~784$)
12GB + 256GB: 5499 yuan (~862$)
12GB + 512GB: 5999 yuan (~940$)

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OxygenOS A.16 update rolling out for the OnePlus Nord 2 5G

OnePlus Nord 2 5G has started receiving a new OxygenOS update. The last update for the smartphone arrived less than two weeks ago. It seems that the company does want to leave any lag in the device even though it is eligible to get only two major Android upgrades.

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The latest software bumps the version number to OxygenOS A.16. As of now, it is rolling out in India, Europe, and North America. For the Indian users, the package is bundled with the firmware version DN2101_11.A.16. Whereas, it can be identified via the DN2103_11.A.16 version for the European and North American models.

Regarding changes, the company delivers the December 2021 security patch with the package along with a few fixes and improvements. The build addresses several known issues including the loss of Google call recording in the Indian variant. Read the changelog below for more details.

Changelog

• System
  
  
  
  • Updated Android Security Patch to 2021.12
  
  
  • Fixed the loss of Google call recording ---(IN only)
  
  
  • Fixed known issues and improved system stability
  
  
  
  


• Camera
  
  
  
  • Improved video stability when AI Video Enhancement is on
  
  
  
  


• Bluetooth
  
  
  
  • Fixed the issue of unclear calls on connected Bluetooth devices
  
  
  
  

As always, the OTA update is having an incremental rollout. Thus, it will take a while to reach all users in the region. Meanwhile, you can also track the update manually via the Software update section under the Settings app.

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The latest Google Chrome update arrives with 37 security fixes!

After a successful rollout of Chrome 97 a couple of days ago, Google has released another upgrade over the stable version. Usually, the tech giant follows a four-week cycle to release an update. However, as this is a minor upgrade, there is no new feature on the table this time, but it brings fixes for various security and privacy-related issues.

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The update started rolling out today for desktop operating systems including Windows, Mac, and Linux. Though termed as Chrome 97, the minor upgrade can be identified via version number 97.0.4692.71.

As far as changes are concerned, the build does not arrive with any visible or significant features. However, it does enhance security by addressing 37 different security-related issues. In fact, one of these problems is rated critical.

Precisely, the build includes fixes for CVE-2022-0096, which is a critical use-after-free (UAF) vulnerability. Also, it addresses other UAF's like CVE-2022-0098, CVE-2022-0099, CVE-2022-0103, CVE-2022-0105, and CVE-2022-0106. Moreover, there are three heap buffer overflow issues that are rated high severity. FYI, this is the second-highest rating after critical.

As always, the update will reach out to the users automatically. Alternatively, you can load the “chrome://settings/help directly” flag. On the page, you will see a list of versions of the browser that is currently running and will check for any updates. Thereafter, you can download and install the latest version.

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Redmi K40 get Stable Android 12 based MIUI 13 update

Following the MIUI 13 roadmap, Xiaomi is releasing its latest skin iteration based on Android 12 to the Redmi K40. For now, the update is rolling out in China bundled with the V13.0.2.0.SKHCNXM firmware version. Scroll to know what's inside the new package!

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The software will reach out to other regions soon after the company ensures the absence of critical bugs. After downloading the 4.2 GB build, the Redmi K40 users in China will get a bundle of new features, optimizations, and fixes. Moreover, your device will the faster and smoother than ever before! Read the changelog below to know the goodies.

Changelog

Recommended

• Added face verification protection and privacy watermark functions to protect you in daily life.


• Added full-link electrical protection function to help you stay away from telecom fraud.


• Added new system font MiSans, which is clear and comfortable to read.


• Added dynamic wallpaper, beautiful and scientific “Crystal”, showing the beauty of science under the microscope.


• New widget system, support for rich application widgets, and personalized widgets.


• Add all-round customizable Xiao Ai classmates and your personal smart assistant


• Adds some features of Xiaomi Mi Miaoxiang, support Mobile phones and tablets are interconnected, and content flows seamlessly and naturally between devices


• optimizing the basic experience faster and more stable

Basic optimization

• Optimize the fluency of system applications and third-party applications on the head


• Optimization Improve desktop fluency and enhance user experience

System

• MIUI stable version based on Android 12 deep customization is released

Xiaomi Miaoxiang

• Added some functions of Mi Magic. You can automatically connect and experience the seamless transfer of apps and data by logging in to the same Mi account on your mobile phone and tablet. The photos taken by the mobile phone are automatically transferred to the tablet to display the new hotspot transfer, support the tablet to connect to the mobile hotspot, add support for clipboard intercommunication, copy on either end of the phone or tablet, and paste directly on the other end


• Added application flow, through the tablet taskbar, continue to use mobile applications on the tablet When you insert a note into a picture, you can add it by taking a photo with your mobile phone. The full features of Mi Magic will be upgraded later. For details, please refer to the MIUI official website. To use the photo transfer function, you need to upgrade MIUI+ to 3.5.11 and above in the app store of your mobile phone and tablet.

Privacy Protection

• Added a new document privacy watermark, intelligently identify sensitive documents, and quickly add watermarks to prevent personal


• Pieces of information stolen


• Added full-link electronic fraud protection, including electronic fraud warning, official identification, and risk transfer prevention. Added privacy input mode to protect the privacy of input methods. Added system-level occlusion during face verification to avoid excessive acquisition of privacy by applications. Use MIUI13 privacy Protection function, you need to upgrade the photo album, mobile phone manager, contacts, SMS, and other applications to the latest version in the app store


• Protection, to help you stay away from Telecom Fraud


• Added incognito mode, all recording, positioning, and photographing permissions can be prohibited when turned on

System Font Design

• Added a new system font MiSans, with a clear vision and comfortable reading

Wallpaper

• Newly added live wallpaper beautiful science “crystallization”, showing the beauty that is not easy to find in the microscopic world

Widgets

• Added a new widget system, layout your desktop with rich widgets


• Added rich system and third-party application widgets, useful information is directly exposed to you. Added fun personalized widgets, including personalized clocks, signatures and stickers, and more


• Fun widgets waiting for you to discover

Xiao AI Classmate

• Added a fully customizable Xiao Ai classmate, the image, voice, and wake-up words can be customized. To use this function, you need to upgrade Xiao Ai classmate to the latest version in the app store

More functions and optimizations

• Added a new global sidebar, which supports opening applications in the form of small windows. Optimized dialing, clock, weather, and theme accessibility modes. Optimized browser privacy protection, web browsing, and information reading experience


• Added Xiaomi Wensheng adds environmental sound detection function


• Optimize the recognition success rate of barrier-free voice control


• Optimize the operation experience of the Mindnote node


• Optimize the visual style of the wallet interface

The update is rolling out in batches. But, you can also track it manually through Settings > Software update. Tap on Download and install if the firmware pops up.

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Vivo Y01 price and specifications leaked!

A new smartphone from the Chinese smartphone brand, Vivo, is here. The full specifications, design, and price of Vivo Y01 have managed to leak in Europe. This indicates that the device could launch in the country soon. Here is everything about the upcoming device.

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The Vivo Y01 will feature an appealing design with power and volume buttons on the right side of the panel. The phone will measure 163.96 x 75.2 x 8.28mm in dimensions and weigh 178 grams. It sports a 6.51-inch IPS LCD HD+ waterdrop notch display with 1600 × 720 pixels resolution. Also, the screen will offer an 89% of screen-to-body ratio and a 60Hz refresh rate.

Vivo Y01 5G will boost Android 11 Go Edition out of the box based on FuntouchOS 11.1. FYI, this version is said to be 20% faster than its predecessor, the Android 10 Go Edition. Additionally, the device will offer a single storage option of 32GB paired with 3GB of RAM. The memory can be extended via a microSD card though.

In the shooting section, Vivo Y01 will house a dual camera unit on the rear side including a 13MP primary and a 2MP macro snapper. On the other hand, there's a 5MP lens that serves selfies and video calls.

A 5,000mAh battery will keep the screen alive with a help of 10W fast charging. On the security front, it supports the face unlock feature. Also, the connectivity options are standard i.e; Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth v5.0, USB 2.0, and dual-SIM card support.

Price

Vivo Y01 could cost between EUR 100 (INR 8,420) to EUR 200 (INR 16,830) in Europe. However, other reports suggest that it might be worth INR 7,999. The beans will be spilled soon in the coming days.

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OPPO A96 5G launched with Snapdragon 695 SoC for $315

After surfacing on the internet, the OPPO A96 5G is finally official in China with a flat frame design. The smartphone will go on sale from January 9 for ¥1,999 ($315) in the home country. Here are the entire details of the new device.

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You can purchase OPPO A96 5G in three color variants of Apricot Powder Warm Sun (peach), Colored Glaze (multi-color gradient), and Night Dream Night Star (Black). The device measures 7.59mm in thickness and weighs about 171g.

OPPO A96 5G features a 6.43-inch FHD+ OLED punch-hole display with a 60Hz refresh rate. The panel offers a 2400 x 1080 pixels resolution, a 180Hz touch sampling rate, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.

For shooting, the OPPO A95 5G houses a dual-camera setup indulging a 48MP wide and a 2MP depth sensor. On the other side, there's a 16MP selfie camera housed at the top left corner. In addition, the smartphone ships with a 4,500mAh battery that supports 33W fast charging. As per the company, the device will get full charged in just 40 min.

Under the hood, the OPPO A95 5G equips an octa core processor based Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset. It arrives in a single storage storage variant of 256GB paired with 8GB of RAM. Also, it supports 5GB virtual RAM. Furthermore, it boost Android 12 OS out of the box with ColorOS 12 on top.

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Three more Galaxy devices get Android 12 based One UI 4.0

Samsung is totally on fire! The company is ahead of all the other OEMs, including Google, in terms of updating its flagships. This time, the Korean giant is upgrading three of its flagships— Galaxy Note 10 Lite, Verizon Galaxy Note 20, and Galaxy A72.

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Talking about the Galaxy Note 10 Lite, the new package is currently rolling out in France via firmware version N770FXXU8FUL7. Whereas, the Verizon-based Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra are receiving the update in the USA. The update arrives with firmware version N981USQU2EULE and N986USQU2EULE respectively for both devices. For the Galaxy A72, the build is unfurling in Russia bundled with the A725FXXU4BULA version.

Along with revamped UI, Color Palette feature, improved AOD, new widgets, enhanced privacy, security, and several other accessibility features of Android 12 and One UI 4.0, the update will inculcate the current security maintenance, January 2022 to the Galaxy Note 10 Lite. However, the Verizon Galaxy Note 20 series and Galaxy A72 are upgrading with December 2021 security patch, which is not bad either!

If you are a Galaxy Note 10 Lite, Verizon Galaxy Note 20, or Galaxy A72 user in any of the respective countries, you will receive the update as on OTA. Therefore, you may have to wait a while to experience the new OS. Meanwhile, you can also head to Settings > Software Update > Download and install to flash the software manually.

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OnePlus 10 Pro specifications confirmed officially!

OnePlus 10 flagship is just a few days away from launch. Recently, a leak revealed some of the key details of the top-tier model, the OnePlus 10 Pro. Now, OnePlus co-founder and Chief Product Officer for OPPO, Pete Lau has announced all the major specs of the device.

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Pete Lau shared that the OnePlus 10 Pro will feature an AMOLED LTPO panel with second-generation LTPO calibration. However, the screen size is not revealed. But the leaks suggest that the device will sport a 6.7-inch curved edge display with a punch-hole design. Further, the panel will offer a 120Hz refresh rate.

In the optics department, the OnePlus 10 Pro will house a single 32MP front camera. On the other side, it will carry a triple camera unit with dual OIS support. It equips a 48 MP + 50 MP + 8 MP second-generation Hasselblad sensors.

Coming to the hardware, the OnePlus 10 Pro will run the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. On the software front, it will boost Android 12 OS along with OxygenOS 12 on top. Whereas, the Chinese edition could run on ColorOS 12.

The OnePlus 10 Pro will ship with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 80W SuperVOOC wired charging and 50W AirVOOC wireless charging. Also, it has support for reverse wireless charging. The other features include a VoLTE, VoWiFi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, X-axis linear motor, and dual stereo speakers.

The smartphone will launch on January 11 in China. However, there are no official words for the global launch. But reports suggest it could be debut near March or April.

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[Update: System Optimization] Redmi K30 series Updates Tracker

Xiaomi started introducing the Redmi K30 series in December 2019. The lineup extended until the following year. It includes four devices— Redmi K30, Redmi K30 5G, Redmi K30 Pro, Redmi K30 Ultra, Redmi K30 Pro Zoom, Redmi K30S, and Redmi K30i. Here is the list of updates Xiaomi released for the series since launch.

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Note: The page will be updated with every build released for any respective smartphone. The updates are placed in descending order based on the dates of their release.

Redmi K30 series Updates Tracker

• [January 4, 2022]: The Redmi K30i 5G is receiving a new update in China on the firmware version V12.5.7.0.RGICMXM. The update optimizes the system performance and improves system security and stability. 

Other
Optimized system performance
Improved system security and stability

• [June 21, 2021]: Redmi K30 4G is receiving the MIUI 12.5 update in China. It arrives on the firmware version V12.5.1.0.RGHCNXM. You can read the changelog in our dedicated article.


• [May 31, 2021]: Xiaomi is releasing the MIUI 12.5 update to the Redmi K30 Ultra. The update arrives on version number V12.5.3.0.RJNCXM, which is “China-exclusive”. Read more about the package here.


• [May 11, 2021]: Redmi K30 Pro is joining the MIUI 12.5 upgrade party. The update is in the ‘Stable Beta’ phase arriving on firmware version  V12.5.2.0.RJKCNXM. Click here to know more.


• [February 27, 2021]: Xiaomi is rolling out February 2021 security patch update to Redmi K30 5G users in China. It bears the firmware version V12.1.6.0.RGICNXM. Apart from the system security enhancement of your smartphone, the update does not bring any major changes.


• [November 20, 2020]: Xiaomi has now started seeding out the Android 11 Stable update to Redmi K30 Pro. The update is spinning out on the firmware version V12.2.1.0.RJKCNXM in China. You can read about the changes here.


• [June 18, 2020]: Xiaomi has started pushing MIUI 12 stable update to the Redmi K30 Pro Zoom. The software is rolling out in China. Visit our dedicated article to know more.

The updates are rolling out in a phase-wise manner. Accordingly, the users may have to wait a while to get the build. You can also check the update status manually by heading over to Settings > Software updates > Check for the updates. Also, we suggest you switch over to a WiFi network to avoid carrier data charges.

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