Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro 2 revealed in render leaks

Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro 2 is running around the rumor mill for the past few weeks. In the latest news, the smartphone has managed to leak online. The render exposes a design that is identical to the Galaxy XCover Pro. Here is a complete look at the upcoming rugged device.

Galaxy XCover Pro 2

Must see: Comparing Samsung Galaxy F42 5g vs Galaxy M52 5G

For the unaware, the Xcover flagship by Samsung is a line of rugged smartphones. As per the images leaked, the XCover Pro 2 will offer a waterdrop notch display with bezels all around. The rear panel will house a dual-rear camera island alongside an LED flash. Also, it suggests that the power button and volume rockers will sit on the right edge. A fingerprint scanner to serve security might be embedded inside the power button.

At the bottom, we get a USB Type-C charging port, a speaker grille, and a primary microphone. While the top edge will carry a 3.5mm audio port, secondary microphone, and another button. Here are the device's pictures.

[gallery link="none" size="full" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="Galaxy XCover Pro 2" ids="124378,124379,124380"]

Coming forth to specifications, the Galaxy XCover Pro 2 is tipped to feature a 6.56-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution. It is said to measure 169.5 × 81.1 × 10.1mm in dimensions.

To recall, the rugged device also made an appearance on the Geekbench database a couple of weeks ago. As per the portal, the device will come pre-installed with Android 12 OS paired with 6GB RAM.

Furthermore, it mentions that the XCover Pro 2 will fuel a Snapdragon 778G processor integrated with an Adreno 642L GPU. However, the leaks proclaim that it will power Exynos 1280 instead.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy A73 5G debuts alongside Galaxy A33 5G in India

Oppo Reno 7 Pro 5G gets Android 12 based ColorOS 12 beta application

It's been almost half a year since Oppo unveiled the ColorOS 12. The first smartphone to get the package was the Find X3 lineup, followed by multiple smartphones. In the latest news, the company has invited applicants for the Android 12 based ColorOS 12 beta program for the Oppo Reno 7 Pro 5G.

Oppo Reno 7 Pro

Make sure to visit: Download Oppo/ Realme Quick Glance Latest Version [Old Versions Archive]

The Android 12 based ColorOS 12 beta program for the Oppo Reno 7 Pro 5G smartphone is currently live in India, while other countries will follow soon. If you are an interested user in the country, make sure that your device runs on version C.12/C.13. Thereafter, you can follow the below steps:


  1. Visit the Software update section under the Setting app

  2. Click on the Gear icon at the top right corner

  3. Apply for the beta version

  4. Update Beta Version

  5. Follow the on-screen instructions.


The registrations are open from March 29, 2022, to March 31, 2022. Also, keep in note that the first update batch will only include the first 5,000 applicants. Therefore, the user needs to make sure to register as soon as possible. In case the application quota is already full, please wait for the second batch registration to be open.

Oppo will review your application and the selected candidates will receive the beta version within 3 workdays afterward. Keep in mind that the beta build could carry a lot of bugs and glitches like overheating and lagging. Lastly, we recommend you take a backup of your important files to avoid data loss.


Read more: Oppo K10 goes official in India with Snapdragon 680 SoC for ₹16,990

Vivo X Note design teased officially, launch scheduled for April 11

In a recently organized event, Vivo confirmed the launch of its new premium range of devices. This includes Vivo X Note, Vivo X Fold foldable smartphone, and Vivo Pad tablet. In addition, the company has started to drop teasers of its upcoming devices, starting with the Vivo X Note design.

Vivo X Note

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The Vivo X Note is scheduled to launch on April 11 in China alongside the X Fold and Vivo Pad. As per the images teased, the X Note is built around a curved display featuring a hole-punch cutout at the top center of the screen. The screen size will be 7-inches tall with a 2K resolution.

The rear panel of the Vivo X Note is blue-colored, while the upper portion has a black-colored rectangular module. This unit houses a quad-camera setup, including a periscope lens. Also, there's an alert slider placed at the left edge of the device. The volume and power buttons sit on the right edge.

[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="full" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="Vivo X Note" ids="124365,124364"]

Unfortunately, the other details and specifications about the Vivo X Note are yet to be official. Although we do have some render leaks with us. The smartphone is tipped to fuel Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC under the hood. For software, it could boost Android 12 OS paired with a layer of Origin OS Ocean on top. Moreover, the handset can ship with a 5,000 mAh battery that supports 80W fast charging and 50W wireless charging.

Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G with Dimensity 920 SoC announced globally for $369

Xiaomi has unveiled a new smartphone from the Redmi Note 11 series in the global market, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G. However, it is different from the Indian variant. In fact, it is identical to the Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge. Here's a closer look at the global model of Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G.

Redmi Note 11 Pro

Must see: Specs Comparison: Redmi Note 11 vs Realme 9i

Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G Specifications


Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is built around a 6.67-inch AMOLED display featuring a punch-hole cutout at the top center. The panel offers a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, 1200 nits of peak brightness, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass. Also, it is IP53 rated for splash resistance.

Underneath, the smartphone fuels the MediaTek Dimensity 920 processor paired with up to 8 GB RAM. In addition, it comes pre-installed with Android 11 tossed with MIUI 12.5 on top. A 4,500 mAh battery backs up the system with 120W fast charging support.

Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G

For optics, the Note 11 Pro+ 5G holds a 108 MP triple camera module. The main lens is accompanied by an 8 MP ultrawide shooter and a 2 MP tele-macro unit. On the other side, the selfies and video chats are all upon a 16 MP snapper.

Availability and Price



The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is available in three storage options globally. The base model has 128GB of internal storage and 6GB of RAM that cost $369 (~ ₹27,900). Whereas the mid variant (128 GB + 8 GB RAM) is priced at $399 (~ ₹32,200) and the higher configuration model (256 GB + 8 GB RAM) is worth $449 (~ ₹33,400).


Related: Redmi 10A with MediaTek Helio G25 SoC announced in China for ¥649

iQoo Neo 6 Series arrives on Geekbench with Snapdragon 778G SoC

It seems like iQoo is planning to introduce two new smartphones. A couple of handsets from the company have made an appearance on the Geekbench database with model number I2126. Based on the model number, the device appears to be the Indian variant of the iQoo Neo 6 series. Here is a detailed look at the iQoo I2126.

[caption id="attachment_124358" align="aligncenter" width="800"]iQoo Neo 6 Series Representative Image[/caption]

Must see: Specs Comparison: iQOO Neo 5S vs Motorola Edge S30

To recall, the iQoo Neo 6 and iQoo Neo 6 SE were recently spotted on the IMEI database with model numbers I2124 and I2125, respectively. The present iQoo I2126 has managed to score 756 points in the single-core test and 2651 in the multi-core round. The Geekbench benchmarking website does not divulge much about the smartphone apart from the processor and operating system.

According to the database, the iQoo I2126 will fuel an octa-core Snapdragon processor integrated with Adreno 642L GPU. The processor has a codename lahaina and a peak frequency of 2.4GHz.Concluding from this, we can say that the upcoming iQoo Neo 6 series will power Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G SoC under the hood.

[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="full" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="124357,124356"]

In addition, the portal mentions a 6GB RAM variant of the iQoo Neo 6 series. Although smartphones may arrive in other memory configurations as well. For software, the handsets will come pre-installed with the latest Android 12 OS.

At the time of writing, this is all we have about the iQoo I2126. However, now that the device is spotted in multiple certifications, we can expect more information to reveal soon.
Read more: iQoo Z6 5G announced in India with Snapdragon 695 SoC for ₹15,999

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Samsung Galaxy A73 5G debuts alongside Galaxy A33 5G in India

Samsung has added two new smartphones to its A-series flagship. The latest Galaxy A73 5G is finally announced in India alongside the Galaxy A33 5G. Just like Galaxy A53 5G and Galaxy A23, the new devices are budget offerings. Here is what smartphones have stored for us.

Galaxy A73 and Galaxy A33

Must see: List of Samsung devices eligible for Android 12L update

Galaxy A73 5G


Samsung Galaxy A73 5G features a 6.7-inch full-HD+ Infinity-O Super AMOLED+ display protected with a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The panel offers a peak brightness of 800 nits and a 120Hz refresh rate. A 5,000 mAh battery keeps the screen lightened up with 25W fast charging support.

Under the helm, an octa-core processor based on Snapdragon 778G SoC fuels the Galaxy A73 5G paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. For software, the device comes pre-installed with Android 12 along with One UI 4.1 on top.

Galaxy A73 5G

In the optics section, the selfies and video chats are operated by a 32 MP front camera. The rear camera unit is led by a 108 MP primary lens. Also, it supports optical image stabilization, Object Eraser, AI Photo Remaster, and Portrait Mode.

Galaxy A33 5G


Samsung Galaxy A33 5G is identical to the Galaxy A73 in terms of battery and software. The handset features a 6.4-inch full-HD+ Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The front panel houses a 13 MP camera lens.

Underneath, it powers Exynos 1280 chipset. On the rear side, there's a 48 MP quad rear camera setup. The other lenses include an 8 MP ultra-wide shooter, a 5 MP macro snapper, and a 2 MP sensor for depth.

Galaxy A33 5G

In addition, the Galaxy A33 5G packs a 5,000mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging. However, both Galaxy A33 and Galaxy A73 ship without a charger.

Availability and Price


Samsung Galaxy A73 5G arrives in Awesome Gray, Awesome Mint, and Awesome White color options. While the Galaxy A33 5G is available in Awesome Black, Awesome Blue, Awesome Peach, and Awesome White shades.

The pair is up for pre-orders through the company's official site, leading retail stores, and select online portals. However, the cost and availability of the devices are yet to be revealed.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G and Galaxy Fold are receiving the latest One UI 4.1 update

Redmi 10A with MediaTek Helio G25 SoC announced in China for ¥649

Xiaomi has introduced a new budget smartphone in the Chinese market— Redmi 10A. The smartphone is a successor of the Redmi 9A. The handset packs all the essential basic features that we expect from an affordable device.

Redmi 10A

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Redmi 10A Specifications and features


The Redmi 10A is built around a 6.53-inch LCD screen featuring a waterdrop notch display. The panel offers an HD+ resolution of 1600 × 720 pixels, a 400nits brightness, and a 20:9 aspect ratio. It measures 164.9 × 77 × 9.0mm in dimensions and weighs 194 grams.

Under the hood, an octa-core processor based on MediaTek Helio G2 SoC fuels the Redmi 10A. For software, the phone comes pre-installed with Android 11 OS paired with MIUI 12.5 on top.

In the optics section, the Redmi 10A houses a 5MP front-facing camera. On the other side, there's a single 13 MP unit alongside an LED flash. To serve security, the phone has a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner.

Redmi 10A

A 5,000 mAh power cell keeps the system working with a 10W charging support over a micro-USB port. The connectivity options include Dual-SIM, 4G, WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, AGPS, Beidou, a micro-SD card slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Availability and Price


The Redmi 10A is available in Black, Blue, and Silver color options. The smartphone arrives in three storage configurations of 4GB + 64GB, 4GB + 128GB, and 6GB + 128GB. The former model is priced at ¥649 (~₹7,740), while the latter two variants cost ¥799 (~₹9,500) and ¥899 (~₹10,720) respectively.
Read more: Redmi Note 8T gets MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition update in Europe

Redmi Note 8T gets MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition update in Europe

While MIUI 13 is in full swing, Xiaomi is still not done with the deployment of the MIUI 12.5 Enhanced version. The Redmi Note 8T is now receiving the Android 11 based edition of the customized skin. The smartphone was launched in November 2019 with Android 9.0 (Pie) out of the box.

Redmi Note 8T

Make sure to visit: How to root Redmi Note 8 / Pro using TWRP


The latest MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition update for the Redmi Note 8T is rolling out in Europe, while other regions will follow soon. The package is bundled with the firmware version V12.5.4.0.RCXEUXM weighs about 2.6 GB to download.

Talking about changes, the skin does not inculcate any major additions. Although it does bring some features that are essential for a seamless performance. Fundamentally, the package emphasizes providing a fluid experience to elevate the performance of your device. You can refer to the official changelog below issued by the company:

Changelog


(MIUI 12.5 Enhanced)

  • Swift performance. More life between the charges.

  • Focused algorithms: Our new algorithms will dynamically allocate system resources based on specific scenes, ensuring a smooth experience on all models.

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

  • Liquid storage: New sensitive storage mechanisms will keep your system vibrant and responsive as time goes by.

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


As always, the OTA update is rolling out in stages. Therefore, it will take a while to reach all units. In the meantime, you can always track the update manually via Settings > About phone > Check for new updates.
Read more: List of eligible Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco devices to get Android 13 update

Realme GT Neo2 receives stable Android 12 update with Realme UI 3.0

Realme is swiftly deploying the latest Android 12 update to its eligible flagships. The next in line to get the Realme UI 3.0 based operating system is Realme GT Neo2. The smartphone was launched last year in September with Android 11 pre-installed.

Realme GT Neo 2

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The fresh software update for the Realme GT Neo2 is rolling out in the Indian markets bundled with the firmware version RMX3370_11_C.04. Before updating, make sure that make sure your device is currently operating o the required version RMX3370_11_A.08.

Considering modifications, Realme has published a rich and impressive changelog that mentions a bundle of new features, improvements, and optimizations. After updating, your Realme GT Neo2 will be more secure and run smoother than ever.

Changelog



  • New design

    • The all-new design, which emphasizes a sense of space, delivers a simple, clean and comfortable visual and interactive experience.

    • Revamps the page layout based on the principle of reducing visual noise and spacing out elements, and prioritizes information with different colors to

    • make key information stand out.

    • Redesigns icons using new materials to give more depth and a greater sense of space and texture to the icons.

    • Optimizes Quantum Animation Engine: Quantum Animation Engine 3.0 implements the concept of mass to make animations more lifelike and optimizes

    • more than 300 animations to bring a more natural user experience.

    • More creative Always-On Display: Adds realmeow and Portrait silhouette to let you freely express yourself.



  • Convenience & efficiency

    • Adds “Background stream”: Apps in Background stream mode continue playing the audio of a video when you leave them or lock your phone.

    • FlexDrop is renamed Flexible Windows and is optimized.

    • Optimizes the method of switching floating windows between different sizes.

    • You can now drag a file from My Files or a photo from the Photos app to a floating window.



  • Security and privacy

    • Privacy-related functions including Privacy protection, Passwords, and Emergency call can now all be found in Phone Manager.

    • Optimizes spam block rules: Adds a rule for blocking MMS messages.



  • Performance

    • Adds Quick launch, a feature that detects the apps you use frequently and pre-loads them so you can open them quickly.

    • Adds a chart to display your battery usage.

    • Improves the responsiveness of turning on or off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane mode, and NFC.



  • Games

    • In team fight scenes, games run more smoothly at a stable frame rate.

    • Reduces the CPU load average and lowers the battery usage.



  • Camera

    • You can now decide which camera modes are displayed on the menu bar and in what order they are displayed.

    • You can now drag the zoom slider to zoom in or out smoothly when shooting a video using the rear camera.



  • System

    • Optimizes the auto-brightness algorithm to adapt screen brightness to more scenes for a comfortable screen reading experience.



  • Accessibility

    • Optimizes accessibility:

    • Adds visuals to text instructions for an intuitive understanding of accessibility functions.

    • Optimizes categorization of functions by grouping them into vision, hearing, interactive actions, and general.

    • TalkBack supports more system apps including Photos, Phones, Mail, and Calendar.




The OTA update is rolling out in batches, making it take a while to reach all units. You can visit Settings > Software update to navigate the build manually.
Related: Realme Q3 Pro starts receiving the new Realme UI 3.0