Monday, February 7, 2022

Redmi 9A gets Android 11 based MIUI 12.5 Enhanced update globally

While Xiaomi is busy deploying the Android 12 update, the company is taking care of its older flagships as well. This time, the Redmi 9A is receiving an Android 11 update tossed with MIUI 12.5 Enhanced on top. The smartphone made an appearance in June 2020 with Android 10 OS paired with MIUI 12.

Redmi 9A

Make sure to visit: Specs Comparison: Honor Magic V vs Galaxy Z Fold 3

The latest update for Redmi 9A is bundled with the firmware version V12.5.2.0.RCDMIXM. The build is rolling out globally weighing approximately 1.9 GB to download. It will unfurl to more regions in the upcoming weeks.

Coming forth to changes, after flashing the update, you will get all the Android 11 goodies. This includes UI customizations, chat bubbles, native screen recorder, enhanced dark theme, one-time permissions, camera optimizations, and much more. In addition, MIUI 12.5 enhanced edition adds some features that are essential for the seamless and fluid performance of the device. Further, you can check out the official changelog below:

Changelog


MIUI 12.5 Enhanced

  • Swift performance. More life between the charges.

  • Atomized memory: Ultra-fine memory management mechanism will make RAM usage more efficient.

  • Smart balance: Core system improvements allow your device to make the best of the flagship hardware specs.


System

  • Stable MIUI based on Android 11

  • Updated Android Security Patch to January 2022. Increased system security.


The users will receive the OTA build within a week as the update is rolling out in phases. Alternatively, you can also navigate the update via Settings -> About Phone > Software updates > Download and install.


Read more: Redmi Note 11S confirmed to accompany Note 11 launch in India 

Friday, February 4, 2022

Oppo Reno 7 & Reno 7 Pro launched in India with Android 11 based ColorOS 12

As reported, the anticipated Oppo Reno 7 and Reno 7 Pro are finally official in India. The smartphones are a part of leaks since their 2021 launch in China. To mention, the Reno 7 is a completely new device, while the Pro variant is the same as the Chinese model.

Oppo Reno 7

Must see: Oppo ColorOS 12 official wallpapers are out for download!

Specification


OPPO Reno 7 5G 


The Oppo Reno 7 5G features a 6.4-inch FHD+ AMOLED display. The panel offers a 90Hz refresh rate and an in-display fingerprint scanner. Underneath, it draws power from MediaTek Dimensity 900 SoC paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.

On the software front, you get Android 11 tossed with ColorOS 12 on top. The 4,500 battery on the back makes the device 7.81mm thick and weighs 173g. Also, the power cell supports 65W SuperVOOC fast charging. In addition, it features the trademark ‘Reno Glow’ design.

Oppo Reno 7

For shooting purposes, the Oppo Reno 7 5G carries a 64MP triple camera unit on the rear side. The main camera is accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide snapper and a 2MP macro sensor. On the other side, a 32MP front camera is housed inside a  punch-hole at the top left corner.

OPPO Reno 7 Pro 5G 


The Oppo Reno 7 Pro 5G provides a 6.5-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with the same features as the standard model. The device sports the ‘Reno Glow’ design with a flat metal frame. Also, there's an ‘Orbit Breathing Ligt’ around the rear camera unit for notifications.

Under the hood, it equips MediaTek Dimensity 1200-MAX chipset paired with 12GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage. Despite having the same battery capacity, the device measures 7.45mm in thickness and weighs 180g.

Oppo Reno 7 Pro

For optics, the Reno 7 Pro 5G carries a triple camera island led by a 50 MP primary snapper. The other lenses include an 8 MP ultra-wide snapper and a 2MP macro shooter. The front camera and the OS remain the same as the standard model.

Price and Availability


The smartphones are available in two color variants of Startrails Blue and Starlight Black. You can purchase the devices from Flipkart and various offline stores. The Reno7 Pro 5G will go on sale on February 8, while the Reno7 5G will take a week more till February 17. Here is the price list:

  • OPPO Reno7 5G (8GB + 256GB) – ₹28,999 ($388)

  • OPPO Reno7 Pro 5G (12GB + 256GB) – ₹39,999 ($535)


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

Moto G Stylus 2022 launched with Helio G88 SoC for $399

Motorola has launched the Moto G Stylus 2022 in the US as a successor of Moto G Stylus (2021). It features a refreshing look, an upgraded camera, and more. Let's check out the smartphone in detail.

Moto G Stylus 2022

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Moto G Stylus 2022 features a 6.8-inch IPS LCD screen with a punch-hole display at the top center. The panel offers an FHD+ resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a 20:9 aspect ratio. The power button is placed on the right edge of the device, which serves as a fingerprint scanner as well.

For shooting purposes, the Moto G Stylus 2022 carries a 16MP front camera. On the other side, the smartphone packs a 50 MP triple camera unit. Further, the main lens is accompanied by an 8 MP wide shooter and a 2 MP macro sensor.

Under the hood, the Moto G Stylus 2022 draws power from the MediaTek Helio G88 chipset. On the software front, you will get Android 11 OS on day one tossed with the company's skin iteration, My UX. The device offers up to 256 GB of internal storage paired with 6 GB RAM.

A 5,000mAh battery can keep the screen alive for up to 2 days as claimed by the company. In addition, as the name suggests, it supports a stylus pen that can be used to write notes or draw sketches.

Price and Availability


The Moto G Stylus 2022 arrives in two colors variants of Twilight Blue and Metallic Rose. It is up for pre-orders in the U.S with a price tag of $399 for the base model (128 GB + 6 GB RAM). The phone will go on sale starting February 17.
Related: Moto Edge 30 Pro to launch in India and internationally this month!

Specs Comparison: Honor Magic V vs Galaxy Z Fold 3

The new generation of smartphones is Foldables. They are perfect if you are looking for a phone with a large screen, but it should fit right into your pocket, Foldable is the answer for you! Here we will compare the two among the best devices available— Honor Magic V and Galaxy Z Fold 3.

Magic V vs Galaxy Z Fold 3

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The Honor Magic V was launched this year in January, while Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a 2021 production by Samsung. Therefore, the devices do not have much in common besides a few connectivity options, sensors, and storage configuration. We have portrayed a table here to compare the Honor Magic V and Galaxy Z Fold 3 based on their key specifications.

Magic V vs Galaxy Z Fold 3


[table id=63 /]

To mention, Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G is the first time Samsung has introduced S Pen support on a foldable smartphone. Also, it is IPX8 rated for splash resistance. Now, we hope that you have picked up your favorite device.
Related: Comparing allies: Xiaomi 12 vs Xiaomi 12 Pro

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Specs Comparison: Vivo V23 vs Vivo V23 Pro

Vivo welcomed this year with the launch of the Vivo V23 series. The lineup includes three smartphones— Vivo V23 5G, Vivo V23 Pro, and Vivo V23e. Considering that the latter model is a lower-range phone, we will emphasize the former two smartphones. Here you can compare the Vivo V23 5G and Vivo V23 Pro based on their key specifications.

Vivo V23 vs Vivo V23 Pro

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Needless to say, the Pro variant has something extra to offer than the standard model. Anyway, here are the homogenous specification of the Vivo V23 and Vivo V23 Pro.

Similarities



  • Operating System: Android 12 with Funtouch 12

  • Storage Configuration: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM

  • Front Camera: 50 MP wide and 8 MP ultrawide

  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC

  • Sensors: under-display & optical fingerprint reader, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and Color changing back panel when in sunlight

  • Colors: Sunshine Gold, Stardust Black


Moving on, here is what Vivo V23 Pro has extra to offer in comparison to Vivo V23

Vivo V23 vs Vivo V23 Pro


[table id=62 /]
Related: Specs Comparison: Redmi Note 11T vs Redmi Note 10T

Specs Comparison: Xiaomi 11T Pro vs OnePlus 9 RT

Xiaomi 11T Pro and OnePlus 9 RT are the higher midrange devices by respective companies. The smartphones are a good offer powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G. Here, we will compare the two phones based on their key specifications and features.

Xiaomi 11T Pro vs OnePlus 9 RT
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Before we start differentiating the smartphones, let's see take a look at the common grounds of Xiaomi 11T Pro and OnePlus 9 RT. There's plenty of them!

Similarities



  • Aluminum frame, Dual SIM technology

  • AMOLED HDR10+ display with 120Hz refresh rate

  • 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution and 20:9 aspect ratio

  • Android 11 OS out of the box

  • Octa-core processor based on Snapdragon 888 5G SoC with Adreno 660 GPU

  • Storage configurations: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM

  • 16 MP front facing camera

  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot, Bluetooth, NFC, USB Type-C 2.0, USB On-The-Go

  • Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass


Now that we know what will not change whatever phone you pick, below is a table portraying the difference between Xiaomi 11T Pro and OnePlus 9 RT.

[table id=61 /]
Related: Specs Comparison: Redmi Note 11 vs Realme 9i

Specs Comparison: Redmi Note 11 vs Realme 9i

Are you looking for an affordable smartphone with decent features? Well, we have two good options for you that are recently released. Both Redmi and Realme started the year by introducing their new flagship— Redmi Note 11 and Realme 9i. Both are mid-range offerings that can prove to be a great partner of yours! You can compare the two devices based on their key specifications and features.

Redmi Note 11 vs Realme 9i

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Before we see the difference between Redmi Note 11 and Realme 9i, let's take a look at the common factors of the phones.

Similarities



  • Both smartphones support Dual-SIM technology

  • Common display features include a 90Hz refresh rate and a 20:9 aspect ratio

  • Android 11 OS out of the box

  • Octacore processor based Snapdragon 680 4G under the hood with Adreno 610 GPU

  • Available in three storage configurations: 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, and 128GB 6GB RAM

  • Connectivity and sensors options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS with A-GPS, USB Type-C port, and a side-mounted fingerprint reader.

  • Battery capacity stands at 5,000 mAh supports 33W of fast charging


Now that we are familiar with the common grounds of the Redmi Note 11 and Realme 9i, let's move to the differences. To make it easier for you, we have portrayed a table with all the major factors.

Redmi Note 11 vs Realme 9i


[table id=60 /]
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Download Smart Sidebar Latest Version [Old Versions Archived]

Smart Sidebar is where you can enjoy multitasking at its best. It allows you to have quick access to your favorite apps and tools. You can jump between different apps, reply to a text, take screenshots, transfer files, and do more while playing a game or watching a video. Prior, you have to enable Smart Sidebar via Settings > Smart & Convenient > Smart Sidebar, and toggle the button.

Smart Sidebar

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Here are all the updates Realme spun for the Smart Sidebar. You can find the latest build at the top followed by the previous release. Just find your required version and click on the download button.

Download Smart Sidebar



  • [February 3, 2022]: The Smart Sidebar is receiving a new update on version v12.0.36. The build is live for the global users of Realme UI and ColorOS 7


Download version v12.0.36




  • [January 3, 2022]: A new build with version v12.0.32 is rolling out for the Smart Sidebar. The update is compatible with the global users of Realme UI and ColorOS 7


Download version v12.0.32




  • [December 5, 2021]: The global users of Realme UI and ColorOS 7 can flash the new update of Smart Sidebar with version v12.0.31


Download version v12.0.31




  • [November 15, 2021]: Download the new version v12.0.29 of the Smart Sidebar on your smartphones running Realme UI and ColorOS 7


Download version v12.0.29



Related: Download Realme Weather App Latest update [Old Versions Archive]

Pixel 6 and 6 Pro users face Bluetooth connection issues

Pixel 6 series is one of the best smartphones Google has ever made. However, with every pro, there are cons. Besides a feature-packed device, there are a plethora of bugs that users are facing.

Pixel 6
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This time, users have reported that their smartphone denies a strong Bluetooth connection. In certain scenarios like when the device is connected to a car, the phone cycled through disconnecting and reconnecting over and over again. The same is the case with wireless headphones and other supported devices, which is really annoying.

To resolve the issue, users tried all possible methods including restarting the device and forgetting the Pixel 6 via a connected device. However, the phone failed to reconnect to the head unit. To mention, the January update for the series was supposed to fix the problem. Unfortunately, we know how that failed! Here are some of the complaints:
Please help me. I traded in my Samsung so I’m stuck with this phone and this Bluetooth issue is driving me nuts.

My pixel 6 pro disconnects Bluetooth phone calls in my Prius after a few minutes on the phone call and sometimes will drop the call in the process. The car will then disconnect and reconnect the Bluetooth in a loop. After that, I have to restart the phone for the Bluetooth to work again.

Pixel 6 pro keeps skipping during songs when on Bluetooth

At the time of writing, there is no official word from the company. But, we expect this issue to be resolved in future developments. Also, let us know if you face any difficulty with your Pixel device in the comment section below.
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