Realme 9 5G arrives on Geekbench with Dimensity 810 SoC

The Realme 9 5G series is finally ready to go official in India tomorrow. The company will unveil two models— Realme 9 5G and Realme 9 5G SE. Ahead of its official launch, the Realme 9 5G has made an appearance on the Geekbench benchmarking website with some key details.

Make sure to visit: Download Realme Photos App Latest Version [Old Versions Archive]

The Realme 9 5G will be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity chipset, while the SE variant will equip the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. As per the Geekbench database, the Realme 9 5G has scored 597 points in the single-core test and 1769 in the multi-core test. Further, the listing discloses the operating system, processor, and storage configuration of the device.

The Realme 9 5G in India will bear the model number RMX3388. Under the hood, the smartphone will run MediaTek Dimnensity 810 SoC. It will be based on an octa-core processor with two cores clocked at 2.4GHz and six cores clocked at 2.0GHz.



In addition, the listing mentions a 6GB variant of the handset. However, we can expect the device to arrive in 4GB or 8GB RAM variants as well. For software, the Realme 9 5G will boost Android 11 out of the box along with Realme UI skin on top.

According to the render leaks, the Realme 9 5G will feature a 6.5-inch LCD Full HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate. It can house a 16MP front camera and a 5,000 mAh battery. Moreover, the phone is tipped to arrive in Stargaze White, Supersonic Blue, Supersonic Black, and Meteor Black color options.

Read more: Realme V25 5G with Snapdragon 695 SoC announced in China for ¥1,999

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Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G gets MIUI 13 update based on Android 12

Xiaomi is now started spinning out the MIUI 13 update to its mid-range offerings. This time, the Android 12 based customized skin is rolling out for the Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G. To recall, the device was launched last year with Android 11 out of the box.

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The latest update for the Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G is bundled with the firmware version V13.0.3.0.SKPCNXM. For now, the package is available for users in China, while other markets will also get a hit soon.

Concerning changes, Android 12 tossed with MIUI 13 brings along a plethora of changes with tons of improvements and a new UI. In addition, the changelog mentions the addition of the January 2022 security patch as well. The company has issued an impressive changelog that follows below.

Changelog

• MIUI 13
  
  
  
  • Where all things connect
  
  
  
  


• Highlights
  
  
  
  • New: Privacy camera for face recognition and protective watermarks for images
  
  
  • New: Introducing comprehensive anti-fraud protection mechanisms
  
  
  • New: All-new Mi Sans system font with better readability
  
  
  • New: “Crystallization” super wallpapers
  
  
  • New: A new widget ecosystem with app support and personalization options
  
  
  • New: New features for performing tasks seamlessly on multiple connected devices
  
  
  • New: Mi AI can be fully customized now
  
  
  • Optimization: Improved overall stability
  
  
  
  


• Basic improvements
  
  
  
  • Optimization: Responsiveness for all systems and most popular third-party apps
  
  
  • Optimization: Home screen is now much more fluid and responsive
  
  
  
  


• System
  
  
  
  • Stable MIUI based on Android 12
  
  
  • Updated Android Security Patch to January 2022. Increased system security.
  
  
  
  


• Mi Smart Hub
  
  
  
  • New: Tablets can connect to the portable hotspot in one tap
  
  
  • New: Phones and tablets have a shared clipboard now. Copy items on one device – and paste on the other.
  
  
  • New: An option for taking a photo with the phone’s camera is now available
  
  
  • New: Handoff is now seamless between Xiaomi phones and tablets where the same Mi Account is used
  
  
  • New: Apps can be seamlessly handed off between phones and tablets
  
  
  • New: Verification codes that are received on a phone can be now pasted on a tablet
  
  
  • New: Photos taken with a phone can be instantly viewed on a tablet
  
  
  • To be able to use handoff functionality with photos, update MIUI+ to 3.5.11 or later
  
  
  • Handoff functionality will be upgraded in the upcoming versions. Stay tuned for our further updates!
  
  
  
  


• Privacy protection
  
  
  
  • New: Protective watermarks can be added as a pattern that is displayed over the whole image protecting it from unauthorized use
  
  
  • New: Introducing comprehensive anti-fraud protection mechanisms that include warnings, official labels, and transaction shields
  
  
  • New: Incognito mode restricts camera, microphone, and location permissions
  
  
  • New: Secure input protects all the text you enter
  
  
  • New: Privacy camera only shows your face and masks the rest of the picture when face recognition is required
  
  
  • To be able to use all MIUI 13 privacy protection features, update Gallery, Security, Contacts, and Messaging to their latest versions
  
  
  
  


• System font
  
  
  
  • New: All-new Mi Sans system font with better readability
  
  
  
  


• Wallpaper
  
  
  
  • New: “Crystallization” super wallpapers
  
  
  
  


• Widgets
  
  
  
  • New: A new widget ecosystem offers lots of items that can make your Home screen more informative
  
  
  • New: New gorgeous widgets for system and third-party apps
  
  
  • New: Lots of customizable widgets, including different clocks, signatures, and stickers
  
  
  
  


• Mi AI voice assistant
  
  
  
  • New: Mi AI’s avatar, timbre, and controls can be fully customized
  
  
  • To be able to use this feature, update Mi AI to its latest version
  
  
  
  


• More features and improvements
  
  
  
  • New: Apps can be opened as floating windows directly from the sidebar
  
  
  • New: Ambient sound recognition in Mi Ditto
  
  
  • Optimization: Voice controls are better recognized in Accessibility mode now
  
  
  • Optimization: Enhanced accessibility support for Phone, Clock, Weather, and Themes
  
  
  • Optimization: Privacy protection, secure web browsing, and better feed
  
  
  • Optimization: Mind map nodes are more convenient and intuitive now
  
  
  • Optimization: Wallet looks much better now
  
  
  
  

As usual, the update is rolling out in batches. In case you have not received it yet, head over to Settings > System updates to track it manually.

Related: Xiaomi 11X Pro receives Android 12 based MIUI 13 update in India

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Samsung Galaxy F23 5G with Snapdragon 750G SoC launched in India for ₹17,499

Samsung has added another mid-range smartphone to the list. The Galaxy F23 5G is finally official in India as the first F series smartphone of 2022. The device offers interesting features that you can check out below. In fact, it is the first handset in this segment to offer Snapdragon 750G processor.

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Samsung Galaxy F23 5G features a dewdrop notch around a 6.6-inch TFT LCD screen. The panel offers a resolution of 2408 x 1080 pixels, up to 120Hz refresh rate, and a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

Under the hood, the device powers the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G SoC paired with up to 6GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage. For software, Galaxy F23 5G comes pre-instaleed with Android 12 along with One UI 4.1 on top.

For optics, the handset houses a triple camera island consisting of a 50 MP primary unit, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro snapper. On the other side, there’s an 8MP sensor for selfies and video calls.



A 5,000 mAh battery backs up the Galaxy F23 5G with 25W fast charging support. The other specifications include a 5G connectivity, LTE, dual-SIM card slot, microSD card slot GPS, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a side-mounted fingerprint reader.

Price and Availability

The base model (4GB + 128GB) of Samsung Galaxy F23 5G costs ₹17,499, while the price goes up to ₹18,499 for the higher variant (6GB + 128GB). The phone will go on sale in India starting March 16 via Flipkart and Samsung’s online store in two color options of Aqua Blue and Forest Green.

Talking about introductory offers, the company is offering ₹1,000 cashback via ICICI Bank cards. In addition, you can buy it at an introductory price of ₹14,999 and ₹15,999, respectively.

Related: Galaxy A13 & Galaxy A23 announced alongside the Galaxy M33 & Galaxy M23

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Vivo Nex Fold visits 3C certification with 80W fast charging support

It seems like Vivo is joining the foldable smartphones club. Recently, the Vivo X Fold was running in the windmill. Now, Vivo Nex Fold, another device from the company has made an appearance on China's 3C certification database.

[caption id="attachment_123758" align="aligncenter" width="696"] Representative image[/caption]

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As per the 3C certification database, the upcoming foldable Vivo smartphone bears the model number V2178A. FYI, this model is expected to debut in China in the coming days as Vivo NEX Fold. The database reveals that the device will support 80W fast charging. Besides, it will also support 10W, 18W, and 66W fast charging standards as well. Further, it mentions a 5G connectivity onboard.



To mention, the previous leaks suggested that the Vivo NEX Fold will ship with a 4,600 mAh battery that will support 80W fast charging and 50W wireless charging. Well, it might stand true! In addition, the device is tipped to house a 5x periscope zoom lens camera. Unfortunately, the other features and specifications are still a secret.

In other news, the Vivo X Fold is expected to launch in China soon with a 6.5-inch screen. The panel is likely to feature a curved edge display with a Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The handset can power a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC under the hood.

For optics, the Vivo X Fold will probably house a 50 MP quad-camera setup. The other lenses can conclude a 48 MP ultrawide unit, a 12 MP camera with 2x zoom, and an 8 MP sensor with 5x zoom. Moreover, it is said to draw its juices from a 4,600 mAh battery. Lastly, Vivo X Fold can come equipped with an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner for security.

Read more: Vivo Y33s 5G with Dimensity 700 SoC goes official in China for ¥1,299

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WhatsApp may introduce group polls feature soon!

WhatsApp is the world's most widely used messaging service. However, it still misses some features that are present on other platforms. Anyway, the company is working to bring them up. On that note, WhatsApp is developing an important feature that allows users to start and take polls in group chats.

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According to the information shared by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp will soon enable the users to type poll questions to send to a group chat. FYI, the feature is already available in other apps, including Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and Twitter. While the other users can vote and see the results.

In addition, WaBetaInfo shared an image showing the “Create Poll” feature on iOS. The feature is designated on the app version v2.22.6.70 which is currently in the beta stage. However, it is not accessible to all beta testers as of right now as it is still under development.



Also, it is unclear how users will be able to write a question for the poll, if there are any ways for customizing it, whether group admins will be able to edit the poll options, and whether the polls will have a time limit, or how many poll options can be added.

Furthermore, just like the messages, attachments, and calls, WaBetaInfo says that the new group polls feature will also be end-to-end encrypted. This will ensure that only the group's participants can see the poll and the results. Lastly, as mentioned, the feature is spotted on WhatsApp for iOS, while it may be available for Android and desktop soon.

Read more: WhatsApp beta brings new Communities Tab and tweaks Voice Recordings

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Google rolls out March 2022 update for Pixel smartphones with Android 12.1

Google is seeding out the new March 2022 update for the supported Pixel smartphones. Besides the latest security maintenance, it bumps the version to Android 12.1. Scroll down to check out more details.

Make sure to visit: Download Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro Factory Images

The March 2022 update is live globally for supported Pixel devices. Talking about the compatible phones, it covers Pixel 3a, Pixel 4, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, and Pixel 5a. Unfortunately, the Pixel 6 series is not a part of the upgrade yet, It is expected to receive it later this month.

With this release, Android 12L is officially Android 12.1. March 2022 update will be released incrementally via OTA to all compatible models. To install the fresh update, watch out for the following firmware versions for your respective smartphone.

• Pixel 5a: Android 12.1 — SP2A.220305.12


• Pixel 5: Android 12.1 — SP2A.220305.12


• Pixel 4a 5G: Android 12.1 — SP2A.220305.12


• Pixel 4a: Android 12.1 — SP2A.220305.12


• Pixel 4 XL: Android 12.1 — SP2A.220305.12


• Pixel 4: Android 12.1 — SP2A.220305.12


• Pixel 3a XL: Android 12.1 — SP2A.220305.12


• Pixel 3a: Android 12.1 — SP2A.220305.12

For changes, the latest patch dated 2022-03-01 and 22 resolves 19 and 22 issues respectively. This includes all vulnerabilities ranging from high to critical. The most severe of them is related to the media framework and a remote attacker possibly executing arbitrary code through a crafted file.

Read more: Google Play system gets March 2022 update with critical fixes, new features, and more

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Galaxy A13 & Galaxy A23 announced alongside the Galaxy M33 & Galaxy M23

Recently, Samsung has announced four new smartphones dubbed Galaxy A13, Galaxy A23, Galaxy M33, and Galaxy M23. All of these smartphones are mid-range offerings. The pricing details are not yet revealed though. Also, the processor of the new devices is still under wrap. Anyway, let's check out the new handsets in detail.

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Galaxy A13 specifications

The Galaxy A13 is built around a 6.6-inch TFT Infinity-V full-HD+ display which is protected with a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 5. Underneath, it is expected to power Exynos 850 SoC paired with 4 GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. Also, it boosts Android 12 OS out of the box along with One UI 4.1 on top.

For optics, the Galaxy A13 houses an 8 MP front-facing camera. In addition, the phone carries a quad rear camera setup led by a 50 MP primary unit. The other lenses include a 5 MP ultra-wide camera and a couple of 2 MP macro and depth sensors.



Lastly, the Galaxy A 13 ships with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging. For security, it offers Samsung Knox security and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

The phone will be available in Black, Blue, Peach, and White color variants. It may cost around Є190 (~ ₹15,800) for the base model (4GB + 64GB), while the price for the higher model (4GB + 128GB) is expected to be Є210 (~ ₹17,500).

Galaxy A23 specifications

Samsung Galaxy A23 shares all of its specifications with Galaxy A13, including display, camera, battery, and color options. However, the storage configuration it offers is different. Although the processor is not yet revealed, it will arrive in 64GB and 128GB storage options coupled with 8GB of RAM.

Galaxy M33 specifications

Samsung Galaxy M33 is also similar to the above-mentioned A-series handsets in terms of display, camera, and more. However, it ships with a 6,000 mAh power cell. Moreover, the unknown processor of the device is said to be paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB storage. It will be available in Blue, Brown, and Green colorways.

Galaxy M23 specifications

Samsung Galaxy M23 holds the same display and powers the same software as the Galaxy M33. Furthermore, it equips an unidentified octa-core SoC paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB storage. A 5,000 mAh battery keeps the system working.



For photography, the Galaxy M33 carries a 50 MP triple rear camera setup. Accompanying this is an 8 MP ultra-wide-angle lens sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor. For selfies and video calls, it offers an 8 MP snapper.

The Samsung Knox security and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor will serve as security. It will arrive in two color options of Deep Green and Light Blue.

Related: Galaxy A03 launched in India with UNISOC Tiger T606 SoC for ₹10,499

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Google Pixel 6A appears on Geekbench with Tensor chipset

Google is preparing the much-awaited Pixel 6a smartphone which is expected to launch later this year. In the meantime, the affordable offering by the tech giant has appeared on the Geekbench benchmarking website, shedding light on some of its key specifications.

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The arrival of Google Pixel 6a on Geekbench reveals some key details, including the processor, memory, operating system, and others. As for the scores, the smartphone has scored 1050 points in the single-core test and 2883 in the multi-core test. Now, let's dive into the features and details of the upcoming affordable device.

For starters, just like the Pixel 6 series phones, the Pixel 6a will be powered by Google’s in-house Tensor GS101 chipset along with Mali-G78 GPU. The processor will come with 2 Arm Cortex-X1 cores that clocks at 2.80GHz. Also, it will feature two Arm Cortex-A76 cores running at 2.25GHz and four power-efficient cores clocked at 1.8GHz.

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On the upfront, the Pixel 6a will sport a 6.2-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution. Moreover, the listing mentions that it will boost Android 12 OS out of the box paired with 6 GB RAM onboard.

For optics, the device is tipped to house an 8MP Sony IMX355 front-facing camera. On the other side, it is expected to carry a 12MP Sony IMX396 ultrawide lens alongside a 12.2MP Sony IMX363 primary sensor.

To mention, the Pixel 6a will be a downgraded version of the Pixel 6 handset launched last year. Now that the device has made it to the Geekbench database, it could hit the market soon. Although there is no official date by the company. Also, unlike the Pixel 6 series, the Pixel 6a is likely to go official in India as well.

Read more: Google rolls out two new Android widgets for Chrome

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Xiaomi 11X Pro receives Android 12 based MIUI 13 update in India

Xiaomi is kicking off its Android 12 based MIUI 13 skin iteration for the eligible devices since January. The latest smartphone to get the refreshed version of mobile software is Xiaomi 11X Pro.

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As of now, the latest software is rolling out to the Mi 11X Pro users in India. Also, it is currently limited to the Mi Pilot testers via firmware version V13.0.1.0.SKKINXM weighing 3.5 GB in size. It will take a few days to be available for the general public. Other markets are expected to get the package in the next few weeks.

Concerning changes, the package carries all new features of Android 12 tossed with the modifications of MIUI 13. The changelog further mentions that the apps can now open as floating windows directly from the sidebar. In addition, it enhances privacy by integrating the February 2022 security patch. Refer to the changelog below for precise details.

Changelog

[System]

• Stable MIUI based on Android 12


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

[More features and improvements]

• New: Apps can be opened as floating windows directly from the sidebar


• Optimization: Enhanced accessibility support for Phone, Clock, and Weather


• Optimization: Mind map nodes are more convenient and intuitive now

As mentioned, the software is currently a Mi Pilot Tester-exclusive. Accordingly, only the users who are a part of the testing program will get the update. Anyway, it will be accessible to the general public after making sure that there are no critical bugs onboard.

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