Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC launched for ¥3499

Following its protocol, Realme has added the Master Explorer Edition to the Realme GT 2 series. The Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition is official in China as the latest higher mid-range offering. This is the third device in the lineup after the Realme GT 2 and Realme GT 2 Pro. Let's take a closer look at the latest flagship handset.

Must see: How to hide apps in Realme smartphones?

The Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition features a unique design that the company calls “Hard case legendary design.” It is built around a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with corner protection, metal rivets, a metal middle frame, and a glass design. The panel offers a Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support.

Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC. The processor is paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, making it the world’s first phone to feature so and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. In addition, it houses an X7 independent display chip as well.

For optics, the Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition carries a triple rear camera led by a 50MP primary sensor with OIS support. Alongside, there's another 50MP ultra-wide-angle snapper and a 40x microscope lens. At the front, the phone houses a 16MP snapper to serve selfies and video chats. For software, it comes pre-installed with Android 12 OS.

Moreover, the handset packs a 5,000mAh battery with 100W fast charging support. Surprisingly, it is also the first phone to arrive with a 'GaN' charger that charges up 100% in 25 minutes. FYI, 'GaN' stands for Gallium Nitride which reduces the heat by up to 85%.

Besides, the other notable features include dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, 4G LTE, 5G, NFC, USB Type-C port, dual VC flagship cooling system, and a dual speaker setup with Dolby Atmos. Also, it offers an under-display optical fingerprint scanner to serve security.

Read more: Realme 8s 5G joins Android 12 update party based on Realme UI 3.0

Price and Availability

The Realme GT 2 Master Explorer Edition is available in Black, White, and Gold color options. The handset is up for pre-order in China and will be available for purchase starting next week. Depending upon the storage model you choose, here's how much the phone costs:

• 8GB + 128GB: ¥3499


• 8GB + 256GB: ¥3799


• 12GB + 256GB: ¥399

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iQOO 10 Pro arrives on Geekbench, confirms Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC

Vivo's spin-off brand is all ready to unveil the iQOO 10 series in China on July 19. The lineup is expected to include three models:  iQOO 10, iQOO 10 Pro, and iQOO 10 Legend BMW Edition. Recently, the company teased the series officially, revealing its design. Now, the Pro model has made an appearance on the Geekbench benchmarking website. Here's a detailed look at the iQOO 10 Pro key specs revealed by the portal.

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The iQOO 10 Pro bears the model number V2218A on the Geekbench 4 database. The device has managed to score 7374 points in the single-core round and 17,142 points in the multi-core round. Further, the listing divulges the processor, operating system, memory configuration, and more.

Under the hood, the upcoming handset will run an octa-core processor with the codename taro. The chipset will have a peak frequency of 3.19GHz and be integrated with Adreno 730 GPU. Considering the information, this is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC. In addition, it confirms a 12GB RAM model. However, we can expect the company to introduce other storage models as well. On the software front, the iQOO 10 Pro will boost Android 12 out of the box.

Apart from this, the Geekbench portal does not disclose any other detail. To recall, the phone was recently spotted on China's 3C certification website. It uncovered the whopping 200W fast charging support, making it the first device to do so.

Read more: iQOO 9T to power Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC underneath, claim leaks

Going by the rumors, the iQOO 10 Pro will sport a 120Hz 6.78-inch 2K+ AMOLED screen with an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner. The phone can arrive in up to 16GB RAM and 512GB of internal storage. For optics, the phone is likely to carry a 50MP primary, 50MP ultrawide, and a 14.6MP telephoto camera. At the front, a 16MP snapper can serve selfies and video chats. Lastly, a 4550 mAH battery can backup the device.

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Nokia C21 Plus with Unisoc SC9863A SoC launched in India for ₹10,299

HMD Global is here with another entry-level smartphone— Nokia C21 Plus. The smartphone is finally official in India with all the decent and budget specifications. To recall, the device already made its debut in the Global market earlier this year. Here's a closer look at the Nokia C21 Plus's specifications, price, and other details.

Make sure to visit: List of Nokia devices to get the Android 12 update

The Nokia C21 Plus features a 6.5-inch HD+ display with a waterdrop notch cutout at the top center. The panel offers a standard 60Hz refresh rate and a 20:9 aspect ratio. For software, it boosts Android 11 (Go edition) out of the box. FYI, this version is said to be 20% faster than its predecessor, the Android 10 Go Edition.

Under the hood, an octa-core processor based on Unisoc SC9863A SoC powers the phone. The chipset is paired with up to 4GB RAM options and 64GB of internal storage. In addition, the storage can be expanded via a dedicated microSD card slot.

In terms of optics, Nokia C21 Plus carries a dual-camera setup at the back. It consists of a 13MP primary lens and a 2MP sensor to measure depth. On the other side, there’s a 5 MP shooter for selfies and video calls.

Strangely, the company did not reveal the battery capacity. Although it claims that the device will last for up to three days on a single charge. FYI, the global model of the phone packs a 3,000 mAh battery.

Read more: Nokia Style+ 5G visits FCC ahead of launch, packs 4900 mAh Battery

Availability and Price

You can purchase the Nokia C21 Plus via Nokia India’s e-shop in Dark Cyan, Warm Grey color options. The base 3GB/ 32GB model of the device costs ₹10,299. Whereas, the higher 4GB/ 64GB variant is priced at ₹11,299. As for launch offers, the company is offering a 10% discount up to Rs 4,000 to Jio customers. Also, the buyers will get the Nokia Wired Buds for free.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 visits FCC certification website ahead of launch

Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Z Flip 4 at the Galaxy Unpacked event in August 2022. As per rumors, the next generation of foldable will go official on August 26. A few weeks ahead of its launch, the phone made an appearance on the FCC certification website. Here’s what we know about the phone so far.

[caption id="attachment_125712" align="aligncenter" width="696"] Representative Image[/caption]

Make sure to visit: Download Samsung Bixby Voice

The FCC listing again confirms the model number SM-F721U for the Galaxy Z Flip 4. Further, the portal reveals the phone’s networked details, connectivity onboard, and more. The device will support multiple global 4G, and 5G bands, Wi-Fi 802.11a/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth, GNSS, and NFC. Also, it will come with wireless charging support as well.

Besides the above-mentioned details, the FCC listing does not divulge any other details. Luckily, we do have other specifications in our hands already.

To recall, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 was spotted on Geekbench last month with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC under the hood. The chipset will be paired with Adreno 730 GPU and 8GB of RAM at the very least. On the software front, the handset will boost Android 12 out of the box along with a layer of One UI 4.1 on top.

Read more: [Update: Support Page Goes Live] Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 variants appear on FCC

On the other hand, the leaks suggest the presence of a 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The cover display could be a 2.1-inch AMOLED screen. For optics, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 can carry a dual 12MP rear camera, a 10MP front unit, and an under-display camera. Lastly, the device is likely to pack a 3,700 mAh battery with 25W fast charging support.

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Nothing Phone (1) gets first software update with 'connect to Tesla' feature

It's been a day since Carl Pei, OnePlus co-founder took the wraps off the Nothing Phone (1) in India. On the very second day, the company is already spinning out the first software update for the device with some new features, improvements, and optimizations. Scroll down to know what the package brings.

Make sure to visit: Download Nothing Phone 1 Official HD Wallpapers

The first software update for the Nothing Phone (1) in India weighs about 148MB to download. Although, it does not bump the firmware version. FYI, the smartphone will get three major Android updates and four years of security patch updates.

Considering changes, the package elevates the user experience by bringing optimizations across the system, including the camera and battery. Moreover, it brings along plenty of improvements like Glyph Interface effects, Camera app Ul, and fingerprint recording and unlocking. In addition, the build packs Connect to Tesla feature as well as the new FT widget. Besides, it addresses some general bugs and revamps system sounds. Check out the official changelog below for precise details.

Changelog

• Introduced Connect to Tesla feature


• Introduced FT widget


• Revamped Nothing OS system sounds


• Improved Glyph Interface effects for system feedback


• Revamped Glyph Interface settings Ul


• Optimized battery life


• Optimized camera effects for HDR, portrait, night scene, and more


• Improved Camera app Ul


• Improved fingerprint recording and unlocking


• Added support for HRD10+


• Other bug fixes

Read more: Google Play system July update brings new features, improvements, and more

As usual, the OTA update will have an incremental rollout. The first software update may come pre-installed with your new Nothing Phone (1). Otherwise, you might receive the notification on day one.

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Realme 8s 5G joins Android 12 update party based on Realme UI 3.0

Realme 8s 5G is finally receiving its first major update. The handset was launched last year in September with Android 11-based Realme UI 2.0 out of the box. Now, the smartphone is joining the stable Android 12 update party based on Realme UI 3.0 skin iteration.

Must see: Download Realme File Manager App Latest Version [Old Versions Archive]

The latest software update for the Realme 8s 5G is currently rolling out in India with firmware version RMX3381_11_C.03. However, before updating, make sure that your phone runs on the required version RMX3381_11_A.12. The other markets will also pick up the build soon.

Along with a new UI, the package carries a plethora of improvements, performance enhancements, and new features. As always, the changelog for this release is feature-enriched and quite immense with all the new elements. Needless to say, after flashing the build, you will get a more personalized, efficient, and smoother user experience. Take a look at the official changelog below.

Changelog

• New design
  
  
  
  • The all-new design, which emphasizes a sense of space, deliver 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.
  
  
  
  


• 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.
  
  
  
  


• 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.
  
  
  
  


• 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, Phone, Mail, and Calendar.
  
  
  • 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, Phone, Mail, and Calendar.
  
  
  
  

Read more: Realme Narzo 50A Prime gets Realme UI 3.0 Early Access Beta Program

As always, the OTA update is rolling out in batches and will reach out to every user in a short while. In the meantime, you can head over to Settings > Software update to track the package manually.

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Realme Narzo 50A Prime gets Realme UI 3.0 Early Access Beta Program

Realme is constantly delivering the Android 12-based Realme UI 3.0 package to its eligible smartphones. In the latest development, the Chinese tech giant has initiated the Realme UI 3.0 Early Access Beta Program for the Realme Narzo 50A Prime users.

Make sure to visit: Download Realme Community App Latest Version [Old Versions Archived]

The statement was made official via the Realme community forum along with some essential details. The interested Realme Narzo 50A Prime users can enroll themselves in the Android 12 -based Realme UI 3.0 beta program. The Registration will be open from July 12. But as this is a closed beta registration, it will only be accessible to 200 users initially.

Also, the applications will be accepted in batches for the users who registered early. Before applying, make sure your device is charged above 60% and is running on the required RMX3516PU_11.A.29 version. So, take no time and follow the below steps:

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 and click on Apply now


5. Submit your details and finish the quiz

However, the post did not specify any specific region where the program is available. Therefore, you can try testing if you have a compatible device in any region.

Read more: Realme C25s picks up stable Android 12-based Realme UI 3.0 update

In addition, keep in mind that this is an early software update. Therefore, your device may lag and some apps will not be compatible as well. Besides, some third-party application versions might not be compatible. Accordingly, we do not recommend you install the Beta software on your primary phone.

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Google Play Store is getting some Material You tweaks

Last year, Google updated its stock apps, including Play Store with the Material You design based on Android 12. Now, the latest update for the Google Play Store plays with the UI design elements, indulging more in the new theme.

Make sure to visit: Install Stable GCAM 8.3 APK on any Android smartphone

To recall, the initial Material You update for the Play Store app arrived last year in October. It applied dynamic color to key elements and updated the home screen, search field, and bottom menu bar. FYI, the Material You design applies a rich palette of color based on your home screen wallpaper so that the apps feel more personal.

With the latest update, the app is getting more tweaks. This includes pill-shaped buttons throughout the application. Earlier, they were Material Design 2 rectangular buttons with narrowly rounded corners. In addition, the button changes also apply to the “Install,” “Uninstall,” and “Update” buttons. On the other hand, the category chips/filters are getting a new layout. In addition, it applies to the Manage apps & device page and search results as well.

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However, the buttons do not coordinate with Dynamic Color theming, In fact, they're all mostly green. Besides, the new design is only limited to Android smartphones and tablets. The changes are not applicable to Web Play Store. Although it may be in development already.

Read more: Google Play system July update brings new features, improvements, and more

The new design has started appearing to some users. Goggle is pushing a wider roll-out now. As always, this is a server-side update and will automatically hit your device. Just in case, the new design doesn’t show up, head to the phone’s Settings -> Apps -> Google Play Store.

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Oppo Band 2 appears on EEC and BIS websites, launch imminent

After a two-year gap, Oppo is finally gearing up to introduce the successor of the Oppo Band. The Oppo Band 2 is in the works although as always, the company did not make any official announcement. Reportedly, the smart device has made an appearance on Russia’s EEC database and Indian BIS certification websites. Here's a closer look at the Oppo Band 2.

[caption id="attachment_127212" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Oppo Band[/caption]

Make sure to visit: List of Oppo smartphones to get a stable ColorOS 12 update in July

Both of these certifications tings suggest that the upcoming Oppo Band will make a debut in multiple markets, including India. To recall, the same device was recently spotted on Indonesia’s NBTC website as well. Unfortunately, as usual, none of these listings reveal any major detail about the band. Nevertheless, they confirm the moniker and indicate that the wearable will make a debut soon outside China.

On Russia’s EEC portal, the Oppo Band 2 emerged with model number OBBE215. Also, it suggested a 5Vdc 0.5A power rating of the band. The same model with the “Oppo Band 2” moniker was listed on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website as well.

On Indonesia’s NBTC website, the same device was certified but with a different model number. According to the leaks, they may be two new and different wearables by the company: Oppo Watch 3 and Oppo Band 2.

Read more: Oppo A97 5G appears on China Telecom website, launch imminent

However, as mentioned before, there is no official word from the company at the time of writing. Therefore, any details and specifications of the Oppo Band 2 are not available as of now. We expect the company to make it official by the end of this month.

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