Category: Mobile

Key Highlights

• Honor unveils X9b smartphone in India with anti-drop display
• Features include a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen, Snapdragon processor, and 108MP camera
• Launch offers include discounts and exchange bonuses

Honor held a special launch event in India today to introduce its latest offering, the Honor X9b. This marks the company’s second smartphone release in India since its successful comeback with the Honor 90 last year. Here’s all you need to know about the device. Also Read | Best Smartphones To Purchase In India With The MediaTek Dimensity 700 Processor

Introducing the Honor X9b: The Anti-Drop Display Smartphone

The Honor X9b debuts as the first device in the company’s X-series lineup, boasting an innovative ‘anti-drop’ display technology. Engineered with shock-absorbing material, this display ensures enhanced protection against accidental drops, distinguishing it from conventional smartphone designs.

Honor X9b: Specifications

Display	6.78-inch AMOLED
Resolution	2652 x 1200 pixels
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 gen 1
RAM	8GB LPDDR4X
Storage	256GB
Camera	Triple rear (108MP primary), 16MP front-facing
Battery	5,800mAh
Features	Anti-drop display, MagicOS 7.2, Facial recognition with face-mask compatibility
Colors	Midnight Black, Sunrise Orange

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the Honor X9b boasts an array of impressive features. Its Ultra-Bounce technology, comprising front reinforcement, double-strengthened glass, and patented low-modulus material on sides and corners, ensures complete protection against drops from all angles.

Featuring a big 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2652 x 1200 pixels, the Honor X9b offers a decent visual experience. The device is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 gen 1 SoC, coupled with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 8GB of virtual RAM, alongside 256GB of internal storage. Running on the Android 13-based MagicOS 7.2, users can enjoy great features such as facial recognition with face-mask compatibility and Magic Text, enabling convenient text extraction with a single tap.

Camera and Battery Performance

In the camera department, the Honor X9b boasts a versatile triple rear camera setup, featuring a 108MP primary sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro lens, housed within a stylish circular camera module. On the front, it offers a 16MP selfie camera.

Powering the device is a robust 5,800mAh battery, providing ample battery life for extended usage. As a special introductory offer, the charger will be included with the device at no extra cost.

Also Read | Best Smartphones With Dolby Atmos To Buy In India

Honor X9b: Color Variants

The Honor X9b will be available in two color variants: Midnight Black and Sunrise Orange, each featuring a sleek vegan leather finish, adding a touch of elegance to the smartphone’s aesthetic appeal.

Honor X9b: Price and Availability

Priced at Rs. 25,999, the Honor X9b offers customers additional value through exclusive launch offers. Buyers using ICICI Bank debit or credit cards, along with credit card EMI transactions, can enjoy an instant discount of Rs. 3,000, reducing the effective price to Rs. 22,999.

Moreover, customers can avail themselves of an exchange bonus of up to Rs. 5,000 by trading in their old devices. The smartphone will hit the Indian market on February 16 at 12 PM, available for purchase on Amazon India and through 1800 mainline stores nationwide.

Also Read | Upgrade To A Curved Display: Four Best Smartphones To Buy

Key Highlights

• HMD to launch own smartphones this year
• Geekbench shows HMD Legend and LegendPro with Android 14 and varying RAM
• Expect a vibrant design and a possible 108MP camera

HMD, renowned for its iconic Nokia phones, is gearing up for a significant launch this year, transitioning from its Nokia legacy to releasing smartphones under its own brand name. Recent updates to the company’s website, now rebranded as HMD, coupled with an enticing glimpse of upcoming devices, suggest that the launch announcement might be imminent. Also Read | Best smartphones under Rs, 30000

Geekbench Listings Unveil HMD Legend, LegendPro

Geekbench 6 listings have revealed two upcoming smartphones from HMD: the HMD Global Legend and HMD Global LegendPro. These listings provide crucial insights into the specifications of these devices:

Chipset: Both phones are powered by an octa-core chipset paired with a Mali-G57 GPU, boasting a maximum clock speed of 1.61GHz. It’s speculated that this chipset could be the Unisoc T606.

Performance: The Legend scores 379 in the single-core test and 1,370 points in the multi-core test. Meanwhile, the LegendPro achieves scores of 373 and 1,384 in the single and multi-core tests respectively.

OS: Notably, both devices will come equipped with Android 14 straight out-of-the-box.

RAM: RAM configurations differ between the two models, with the HMD Legend offering up to 4GB, while the LegendPro ups the ante with memory options extending up to 8GB.

Also Read | Best Smart Phones Under Rs. 25,000

Hints Of Lumia Series Influence And Vibrant Design

While specific specifications remain under wraps, the redesign of the Nokia website to reflect HMD’s identity hints at a design reminiscent of the beloved Nokia Lumia series. Recently teased images showcase three phones in vibrant colors such as Blue, Green, and Pink, suggesting a departure from the traditional monochrome designs.

HMD Legend, LegendPro: Leaked Details

Leaks surrounding the upcoming HMD phones have provided intriguing glimpses into what to expect:

• Earlier leaks showcased a render of one of HMD’s initial phones, hinting at a lower mid-range device with a plastic, matte back
• Subsequent rumors suggested that one of the smartphones from the first batch could feature a noteworthy 108MP OIS camera
• Noted tipster Evan Blass shared codenames for the upcoming HMD phones, including Pulse, Legend, Pulse+, Legend Plus, Pulse Pro, and Legend Pro, adding to the anticipation.

Potential Lineup And Launch Event

While details remain scarce, indications suggest that HMD could be preparing to launch three smartphones initially, with a total of nine devices certified by the IMEI. The company has announced its participation in the upcoming Mobile World Congress in Barcelona later this month, sparking speculation that the event might serve as the platform for the official unveiling of these highly anticipated devices.

Also Read | Best Non-Chinese Mobile Phones To Buy In India

Key Highlights

• iOS 17.3.1 update squashes annoying overlap bug.
• Easy update brings back smooth typing experience.
• Stay tuned for potential further bug fixes.

Typing on your iPhone and suddenly seeing letters double or sentences overlap? Fear not, frustrated texters! Apple has released the iOS 17.3.1 update, specifically targeting this bug that’s been plaguing users.

While the previous update, iOS 17.3, brought exciting features like Stolen Device Protection, this one focuses on bug squashing. According to Apple’s update description, iOS 17.3.1 resolves the issue where text unexpectedly duplicated or overlapped during typing.

This bug caused frustration for many users, leading to confusing and error-ridden messages. Thankfully, iOS 17.3.1 seems to have put an end to that.

Also Read: Apple CarPlay Hidden Tips: How To Optimize CarPlay Settings For Enhanced Drive Experience

Downloading the Update is Easy:

1. Head to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. Tap Install Now and follow the on-screen instructions.

Also Read: Safer Internet Day 2024: Top 5 Apple Features You Need to Know

More Detailed Information Yet to Arrive:

While the specific details of further bug fixes remain unknown, Apple typically publishes detailed release notes online once the update becomes available. However, there have been instances like iOS 17.2.1 and 17.1.1 where these notes haven’t appeared.

Also Read: Foldable Devices On The Horizon: What Apple Has in Store For iPhones And iPads

Stay Updated on iOS News:

Want to dive deeper into the world of iOS? Here are some resources to keep you informed:

• What’s coming in iOS 17.4? Get a sneak peek at potential new features.
• What did your iPhone gain with iOS 17.3? Refresh your memory on past updates.
• iOS 18 coming soon? Check out here.

While iOS 17.3.1 might be a small update, it packs a big punch by resolving a major annoyance for many users. Download it today and enjoy a smoother, more reliable typing experience on your iPhone!

Key Highlights

• iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G can be pre-booked now on Amazon
• The smartphone is slated for a February 22 launch
• Features a 6.78-inch display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, and 120W fast charging

Vivo’s sub-brand, iQOO, is gearing up for the release of its latest mid-range smartphone, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G, slated for February 22. As part of the pre-launch activities, the smartphone is now available for pre-booking online. Let’s delve into the details of this exciting offer. Also Read | OnePlus 12 vs iQOO 12: Top Flagship Smartphones Compared

iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G: Price In India (Expected)

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G is expected to be priced below Rs. 40,000, potentially dropping to approximately Rs. 35,000 with applicable bank offers. It will be available in a base configuration of 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, with the possibility of a 12GB RAM variant.

iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G: Color Variants

iQOO has disclosed that the Neo 9 Pro 5G will launch in two striking color options in India: Conqueror Black and dual-tone Red.

Also Read | iQOO 12 Flagship Gaming Phone: Upgrades We Can’t Overlook

Pre-Booking Benefits

Interested buyers can pre-book the iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G on Amazon for starting deposit of Rs. 999. Pre-booking customers will enjoy an additional Rs. 1,000 discounts upon purchase, along with an extended warranty period of two years, doubling the standard duration.

Furthermore, exclusive launch day incentives await, including instant bank discounts, no-cost EMI options, and exchange bonuses.

iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G: Specifications Overview

Category	Specifications
Display	6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED, FHD+ resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, 3000 nits peak brightness
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 octa-core
RAM	Up to 12GB
Storage	256GB
Rear Camera	50MP main (Sony IMX920) with OIS, 8MP ultra-wide
Front Camera	Single camera
Battery	5,160mAh with 120W fast charging support
Operating System	Android 14 with FuntouchOS overlay
Security	Under-display fingerprint scanner

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G boasts a 6.78-inch punch-hole display with FHD+ resolution. It features an LTPO AMOLED panel with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz and 2160 PWM dimming. The device has ultra-narrow side bezels measuring just 1.54mm and a peak brightness of 3000 nits.

Under the hood, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G houses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 octa-core chipset, augmented by the iQOO Supercomputing chip. It will be available in configurations of up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.

On the rear, the smartphone sports a dual-camera setup, headlined by a 50MP Sony IMX920 main lens with OIS support. It is capable of recording 4K videos at night and stunning 8K footage during the day. Accompanying this is an 8MP ultra-wide lens. For selfies, there’s a single front-facing camera.

Fueling the device is a robust 5,160mAh battery with 120W fast charging support, capable of reaching 50 percent charge in just 11 minutes. Expected to run on Android 14 OS with FuntouchOS overlay, the smartphone incorporates an under-display fingerprint scanner for enhanced security.

Also Read | iQOO Neo 9 Pro: Launch Date, Specs, and Price Revealed

Key Highlights

• Redmi A3 to launch on Feb 14th.
• This phone is confirmed to be equipped with up to 6GB RAM and 128GB storage
• Expected to be priced under Rs 10,000.

Redmi, Xiaomi’s sub-brand, is gearing up to launch its latest offering, the Redmi A3, in India on February 14th. The successor to the popular Redmi A2, the A3 promises a premium design, smooth performance, and long-lasting battery life, all within an attractive price range.

Let’s dive into the confirmed and rumored specifications to see what this budget beast has in store.

Also Read: Save The Date: Redmi Buds 5 Launching In India On February 12

Redmi A3: Confirmed Specs

• Design: The Redmi A3 boasts a new “Halo design” ditching the plastic back with a leather-textured finish.
• Display: 90Hz refresh rate display, a significant upgrade over the A2’s 60Hz panel.
• RAM: 6GB of RAM, expandable with an additional 6GB of virtual RAM.
• Battery: 5,000mAh battery, supported by USB Type-C charging.

Also Read: Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G Vs Oppo Reno 11 5G: Android Phone Comparison

Redmi A3: Rumored Specs

• Display: Large 6.71-inch HD+ IPS LCD screen, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass.
• Performance: The MediaTek Helio G36 chipset, paired with up to 128GB of storage (expandable to 1TB), is expected to deliver smooth performance.
• Dual Camera System: 13MP primary rear camera and a secondary sensor with an 8MP front camera
• Android Experience: Android 13 (Go Edition), optimized for budget devices.
• Additional Features: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and FM Radio are also expected.

Also Read: Poco X6 Pro 5G Vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G: Android Smartphone Comparison

Redmi A3: Price and Availability

With all these specs packed in, the Redmi A3 is expected to fall under the Rs 10,000 mark, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers. The official launch happens on February 14th, so stay tuned for more details and confirmation on pricing and availability!

As part of Safer Internet Day this week, Apple aims to shed light on its efforts to keep iPhone users safe. While the company offers an array of features, we’ll delve into the top 5 essential security tools introduced by Apple in recent times:

Also Read: Apple Vision Pro: 7 Must-Try Apps For Work, Entertainment & More

1. App Limits

What it does: App Limits allow you to set boundaries on app usage. Whether it’s social media apps or YouTube, you can define how much time you want to spend on a particular app. When you approach the limit, your device alerts you, helping you manage screen time effectively.

Why it matters: By curbing excessive app usage, App Limits promote healthier digital habits and reduce distractions.

Also Read: New WhatsApp Trick: Share Channel Posts As Status In Seconds (2024 Guide)

2. Communication Safety

What it does: Communication Safety is a crucial feature for protecting kids. It alerts them about sensitive content they might encounter via messages or apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.

Why it matters: Shielding young users from harmful or inappropriate content ensures a safer online experience.

Also Read: Paytm App Still Working After RBI Ban? Impact On Users

3. Restrictions

What it does: Parents wield the power of Restrictions. They can limit their child’s device usage, control app downloads, and manage in-app purchases. This control empowers responsible iPhone use.

Why it matters: Parents can strike a balance between allowing exploration and maintaining a safe digital environment for their children.

Also Read: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Apple A17 Pro: Flagship Chipset Comparison

4. iCloud Private Relay

What it does: iCloud Private Relay anonymizes and secures your web activity when browsing through Safari. Your private details remain shielded, even while accessing websites.

Why it matters: By keeping your online footprint anonymous, Apple ensures that your sensitive information stays protected.

Also Read: WhatsApp Privacy: How To Activate Or Deactivate End-To-End Cloud Backup For Google Drive, iCloud On WhatsApp

5. Screen Distance

What it does: Apple takes responsibility for your well-being by reminding you about safe screen viewing distances. This feature is critical, especially if you spend extended hours glued to your iPhone.

Why it matters: Maintaining a healthy distance from the screen reduces eye strain and promotes overall well-being.

Bonus Tip: Regularly update your iPhone and apps to benefit from the latest security patches and fixes. By utilizing these built-in tools and practicing safe digital habits, you can ensure a secure and enjoyable iPhone experience.

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Key Highlights

• Global Launch Date: February 25th, 2024, at MWC 2024
• Confirmed Models: Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro
• Possible Debut: Xiaomi 14 Ultra (rumored)

Xiaomi has officially announced the global launch date for its highly anticipated flagship series, the Xiaomi 14. Scheduled for February 25th, 2024, the unveiling will take place just ahead of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024, generating significant excitement within the tech community.

Also Read: Xiaomi 14 Ultra Set To Make Its Debut In India? Here’s What We Know So Far

Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Rumored

While the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro are confirmed to launch, all eyes are on the rumored Xiaomi 14 Ultra. This potential flagship is expected to boast cutting-edge specifications, including:

• Powerful Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, Adreno 750 GPU, up to 16GB RAM
• Seamless User Experience: Android 14-based HyperOS
• Stunning Display: 6.7-inch 2K AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
• Advanced Security: Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor
• Premium Photography: Quad rear camera setup with 50MP Sony LYT-900 primary sensor
• Long-lasting Battery: 5,180mAh battery with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging

Also Read: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Vs OnePlus Nord 3 5G: Mid-Range Smartphone Comparison

Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro: Expected Global Variants

The global variants of the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro are likely to mirror their Chinese counterparts in terms of specifications. Here’s a quick overview:

• Xiaomi 14 Pro:
  • 6.73-inch 2K LTPO display
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset
  • Up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage
  • Leica-branded triple rear camera (50MP primary, 50MP telephoto, 50MP ultra-wide)
  • 32MP front camera
• Xiaomi 14 (expected):
  • Similar specifications to Xiaomi 14 Pro, with potential variations in camera and storage options

Also Read: Poco X6 Pro 5G Vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G: Android Smartphone Comparison

What to Expect at the Launch

The official unveiling on February 25th promises to be a major event for Xiaomi and the tech industry as a whole. We can expect to see detailed presentations of the Xiaomi 14 series, including confirmation (or denial) of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s existence. Pricing information, regional availability, and pre-order details are also likely to be revealed.

Stay tuned for further updates as we approach the launch date!

The Realme 12 Pro Plus is a powerful mid-range smartphone with a 50MP triple camera, 120Hz AMOLED display, and 5000mAh battery. But if you’re looking for something different, there are several compelling alternatives available in 2024. Here are five top contenders to consider:

Also Read: OnePlus 12 Top Alternatives In India: Vivo, Samsung & More

1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro

• Price: Rs.25,950 (more affordable than Realme 12 Pro Plus)
• Key Highlights: Powerful Snapdragon 7S Gen 2 processor, massive 200MP primary camera, long-lasting 5100mAh battery.

This phone packs a punch with its top-tier processor and incredible camera resolution, making it perfect for photography enthusiasts and gamers alike. Additionally, the larger battery ensures you can stay powered up all day long.

2. Motorola Edge 40 Neo

• Price: Rs.24,140 (even more budget-friendly)
• Key Highlights: Super smooth 144Hz refresh rate display, rapid Turbo Power charging, versatile dual-camera system.

If you prioritize a smooth viewing experience and quick charging, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo is a great choice. Its dual-camera setup might not boast the highest megapixels, but it still delivers quality photos.

Also Read: Motorola G24 Power With 50MP Dual Camera Launched At Rs. 8,999: Top Highlights

3. Realme 11 Pro

• Price: Rs.23,999 (most affordable option)
• Key Highlights: User-friendly Realme UI interface, impressive 100MP primary camera, reliable 5000mAh battery.

This option from Realme offers a familiar experience with its latest UI and a powerful camera at a lower price point. It’s a solid choice for those who value affordability and brand familiarity.

4. OPPO Reno11

• Price: Rs.26,999 (comparable to Realme 12 Pro Plus)
• Key Highlights: Stunning flexible AMOLED display, versatile triple-camera system with 50MP main sensor, fast Super VOOC charging.

This phone stands out with its beautiful design and well-rounded camera system that caters to various photography needs. The fast charging ensures you’re never caught with a low battery.

Also Read: Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G Vs Oppo Reno 11 5G: Android Phone Comparison

5. POCO X6 Pro

• Price: Rs.26,999 (matches Realme 12 Pro Plus)
• Key Highlights: Powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra processor for smooth gaming, large 64MP primary camera, 5000mAh battery with Turbo Charging.

Gamers will appreciate the POCO X6 Pro’s powerful processor and fast refresh rate display. It also offers a capable camera and fast charging at a competitive price.

6. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus 5G

• Price: Rs.30,787 (slightly more expensive than Realme 12 Pro Plus)
• Key Highlights: 5G connectivity for future-proofing, the same impressive camera as Redmi Note 13 Pro, and a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra processor.

If you prioritize having the latest 5G technology and don’t mind spending a little extra, the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus 5G is a great option to prepare you for the future.

Also Read: Top 5 Alternatives To Blinkit For 10-Min Delivery In India 2024

The Verdict

Ultimately, the best alternative depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, camera priorities, display preferences, and desired performance level before making your choice. With these top contenders, you’re sure to find an upgrade that surpasses the Realme 12 Pro Plus in one way or another!

Key Highlights

• Nothing Phone 2a confirmed, exclusively on Flipkart
• Leaked images reveal a sleek design with a hole-punch and dual rear cameras
• Android 13, 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, MediaTek Dimensity 7200

The highly anticipated Nothing Phone 2a, the third smartphone from the brand led by former OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, is poised to make its debut in India. The UK-based company has officially revealed that the upcoming device will be exclusively available through Flipkart, adding to the excitement surrounding its awaiting launch. Accompanying this announcement are leaked hands-on images showcasing a black variant of the Nothing Phone 2a, revealing its design and specifications. Also Read | 2024 Smartphone Releases: February Edition – Xiaomi, Oppo, Nothing

Nothing Phone 2a On Flipkart

Ahead of the official launch, Flipkart has set the stage for the arrival of the Nothing Phone 2a with a dedicated microsite. The page, adorned with a “coming soon” tag, features an intriguing Nothing community update video. In this video, co-founder and marketing lead Akis Evangelidis provides glimpses of what to expect from the upcoming handset. While the landing page refrains from exposing specific details or the launch date, it intensifies the anticipation among eager customers.

Hands-On Images

See more

Nothing Phone 2A hands on images via https://t.co/2wiaINX5Xp

Specifications
📱 6.7" FHD+ AMOLED display
120Hz refresh rate
🔳 MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset
🍭 Android 13 most probably
📸 50MP Samsung GN9+ 50MP JN1 rear camera
📷 32MP Sony IMX615 front camera
– Colour… pic.twitter.com/rjtoSMIr1d

— Abhishek Yadav (@yabhishekhd) February 4, 2024

Leaked hands-on images shared by a Reddit user offer a sneak peek into the design language of the Nothing Phone 2a. The black variant displayed in these images showcases a centrally placed hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera, distinct from its predecessors. Despite the presence of a privacy cover, the photos suggest a dual rear-camera setup, with both cameras strategically positioned towards the center of the back panel.

Also Read | Nothing Phone (2): Top Features

Key Specifications Leaked

Specifications	Details
Model	Nothing Phone 2a (A142)
Chipset	MediaTek Dimensity 7200
Display	6.7-inch Full-HD AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
Operating System	Android 14-based Nothing OS 2.5
RAM	Up to 12GB
Storage	256GB
Charging	45W (Supports USB Power Delivery standard)
Wireless Charging	Not Confirmed
Rear Camera Setup	Dual: 50MP primary, 50MP ultra-wide-angle
Front Camera	32MP

Based on the leaked information, the Nothing Phone 2a promises a feature-packed experience. It is expected to run on Android 13 and boasts a 6.7-inch full-HD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate. Powering the device is the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 SoC. Camera enthusiasts can look forward to a dual rear camera setup, comprising a 50MP Samsung GN9 sensor and a 50MP JN1 camera, while the front camera is rumored to be a 32MP Sony IMX615. The smartphone is likely to be available in classic black-and-white color options.

Expected Launch Date

While an official launch date remains undisclosed, industry speculations point towards a potential unveiling during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 later this month.

Verdict

As the countdown to the Nothing Phone 2a release continues, the combination of Flipkart exclusivity leaked images, and promising specifications sets the stage for a groundbreaking entry into the Indian smartphone market.

Also Read | Nothing Phone 2a Receives TUV Certification, Details Emerged Ahead Of Launch