[highlights]

• A JP Morgan report says Apple could raise iPhone 18 series prices by no more than USD 50.
• This is much lower than the earlier estimated hike of up to USD 300.
• Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September, alongside its first foldable iPhone Ultra.

[/highlights]

Apple is one of the few OEMs that has refrained from raising prices of its smartphones mid-cycle despite the memory shortage crisis plaguing the industry. Even though CEO Tim Cook has said the hike is inevitable, there's some solace for future iPhone buyers. Apple may not raise iPhone prices as aggressively as some analysts have predicted. However, analyst Max Weinbach, citing a research note from JP Morgan, suggests that the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could see price increases of no more than USD 50 (around Rs 4,800), significantly lower than estimates that had pointed to hikes of USD 200 (around Rs 19,000) to USD 300 (around Rs 28,000).

iPhone 18 series expected price hike

Earlier estimates from firms such as TechInsights suggested Apple might need to raise iPhone 18 Pro pricing by as much as USD 270 to maintain its profit margins. The Wall Street Journal arrived at a similar conclusion, projecting that the iPhone 18 Pro could start at USD 1,399 (around Rs 1.32 lakh) or higher compared to the USD 1,099 (around Rs 1.03 lakh) starting price of the iPhone 17 Pro.

Demand for AI infrastructure has surged over the past two years, prompting memory manufacturers such as Samsung, Micron and SK Hynix to prioritise high-margin AI-focused products like High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) and advanced server DRAM. That has reduced the supply of memory and storage chips used in smartphones, pushing component costs higher across the industry.

However, JP Morgan believes Apple may absorb much of that pressure rather than passing it directly to consumers. According to the firm's analysts, the company is expected to look for savings elsewhere, including greater use of in-house technologies such as its C-series modem platform.

If the prediction proves accurate, Apple would be following a familiar strategy. The company has historically been cautious about major iPhone price increases, preferring to preserve volume and upgrade momentum rather than maximise short-term margins. The last notable pricing change came with the iPhone 15 Pro Max in 2023. While the starting price increased by USD 100, Apple simultaneously doubled the base storage from 128GB to 256GB, effectively offsetting much of the increase.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro lineup this September, alongside the long-rumoured foldable iPhone Ultra. For buyers considering an upgrade, the latest report is encouraging. A modest USD 50 increase would likely be easier to justify if Apple delivers meaningful upgrades in areas such as AI features, cameras, battery life and performance.

[highlights]

• Infinix Note 60 Pro gets a new Pininfarina Edition.
• The handset has been launched at Rs 37,999.
• It's going on sale from June 29th. 

[/highlights]

Infinix has expanded its smartphone lineup in India with the launch of the Note 60 Pro Pininfarina Edition. The handset has been developed in partnership with Italian design house Pininfarina. It focuses heavily on design while retaining the hardware package of the standard Note 60 Pro (review), which launched in India earlier this year in April. 

Infinix Note 60 Pro Pininfarina Edition price in India

The Infinix Note 60 Pro Pininfarina Edition is priced at Rs 37,999. This is slightly higher than the regular Note 60 Pro in the same variant, which is priced at Rs 34,999. The smartphone will go on sale from June 29th in a single 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. It comes in a Torino Black finish inspired by luxury sports cars.

Infinix Note 60 Pro Pininfarina Edition specifications

The biggest difference from the regular Note 60 Pro is the design. The phone features a carbon fibre-inspired rear panel, red accent lines, a 360-degree aerospace-grade aluminium frame, and an Active Matrix Display on the back for notifications. Infinix is also bundling special accessories in a premium retail package.

On the hardware side, the device remains unchanged. It sports a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with up to a 144Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 4,500 nits. Powering the phone is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset paired with 8GB LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB storage. This setup makes for a capable mid-range smartphone for regular to moderate usage. 

For photography, the handset offers a 50MP main camera with OIS support and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. A 13MP front camera handles selfies and video calls. The camera setup is decent for its price. The phone also packs a large 6,500mAh battery with 90W wired charging and 30W wireless charging support. This is a sizeable battery capacity that should easily last an entire day. The addition of wireless charging also gives the phone a premium feel, something missing in this segment. Features such as Wi-Fi 6, NFC, an in-display fingerprint sensor, stereo-grade haptics through an X-axis motor, and IP64 dust and splash resistance round out the package.

At its price, the Note 60 Pro Pininfarina Edition makes sense for users who personally like the design of this handset. However, those looking for the best value may find the standard Note 60 Pro a more practical option since it's more affordable, and both devices share the same core specifications. However, users who want a more distinctive design and collector-style appeal may appreciate what the Pininfarina Edition brings to the table.

[highlights]

• iQOO Neo 12 is tipped to feature a 6.83-inch 2K display with a refresh rate of up to 185Hz and a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset.
• The phone could pack a battery exceeding 9,000mAh, while retaining 100W fast charging support.
• The Neo 12 is expected to launch in China around October, but its India launch remains uncertain.

[/highlights]

There's buzz around the upcoming iQOO Neo 11S that is expected to launch in China next month, but it seems that's not the only model iQOO has up its sleeve for the performance-focused mid-range Neo series this year. A new leak from tipster Digital Chat Station suggests that the upcoming iQOO Neo 12 could bring upgrades across the display, battery and gaming experience, building on last year's Neo 11.

iQOO Neo 12 expected specifications

According to the tipster, the iQOO Neo 12 is currently being tested with a 6.83-inch flat display featuring a 2K resolution and at least a 165Hz refresh rate. The company is reportedly also evaluating a 185Hz refresh rate, which would make it one of the highest refresh rate displays seen on a mainstream smartphone. Why this is interesting is for two reasons. Firstly, till date, we've only seen 185Hz on gaming phones from the ASUS ROG series, which are done for good now. Secondly, a combination of 2K resolution and at least a 165Hz refresh rate is something which the OnePlus 15 was aspiring to bring, but couldn't as the company said there were technical limitations. However, both iQOO and OnePlus seem to have come a long way from that as even the OnePlus 16 is being tested with at least a 185hz refresh rate (but we cannot say anything about the resolution yet).

Back to the iQOO Neo 12 - the device is said to be powered by last year's flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. Like its predecessor, it may also include a dedicated display chip to improve gaming performance, frame interpolation and graphics rendering. by giving a flagship but (slightly) dated chip, iQOO keeps the costs in check while not compromising on the experience.

Battery capacity could also see a significant upgrade. The engineering prototype is tipped to feature a battery whose capacity starts with the digit "9", suggesting a cell larger than 9,000mAh. iQOO is reportedly testing an even bigger battery configuration while retaining 100W fast charging support. After 7,000mAh, 9,000mAh seems to be becoming the battery benchmark - among gaming phones at least - post the launch of the OnePlus Nord 6.

If the leak proves accurate, the Neo 12 would represent a significant upgrade over the Neo 11, which launched with a 7,500mAh battery, a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and a 2K 144Hz AMOLED display.

Other expected features include an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner and a flagship-grade water resistance rating. Camera details remain unknown, but iQOO may stick with a practical setup similar to the Neo 11, which offered a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 16MP front camera.

Launch timeline

Digital Chat Station didn't reveal a launch date in the latest leak, but the iQOO Neo 12 is expected to debut in China around October based on the brand's previous release cycle. We don't know if the device will make it to India though. Despite the popularity of the Neo series among enthusiasts, the Neo 11 never launched in the country. Instead, iQOO focused on devices such as the iQOO 15R and refreshed the Neo 10 lineup with new colour options.

The iQOO Neo 12 is shaping up to be one of the better gaming devices of the year, if the leaked specifications turn out to be accurate. However, competition is coming this year from the likes of OnePlus and Redmi, so buyers might need to evaluate priorities before committing to a purchase.

[highlights]

• The Reno 16 series will feature two phones, including a Reno 16c.
• The OPPO Bubble is also arriving in India. 
• The Reno 16 series has a 50MP 3.5× telephoto camera. 

[/highlights]

Shortly after teasing the Reno 16 series, OPPO has now revealed the launch date for India. The OPPO Reno 16 series will include two phones this time, with a Reno 16c model confirmed as well. The Reno 16 is the compact option, while the Reno 16c has a slightly bigger form factor. OPPO has also teased the Bubble accessory and the Enco Air 5 TWS. 

OPPO Reno 16 series India launch date

The OPPO Reno 16 series is set to launch in India on July 2nd. The launch date has been officially revealed by OPPO along with details on the Reno 16 series' camera specifications and features. The smartphone is also confirmed to be sold via Amazon India. It will most likely be available through more platforms, including retail stores.

OPPO Reno 16 series camera specs, features

The OPPO Reno 16 series is confirmed to feature a 50MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 50MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom. It also gets a 50MP ultra-wide selfie camera with a 100° field of view. This would be a major upgrade over the Reno 15c, which lacks a telephoto camera. The lineup also features a 'Dual Flash System' for brighter shots in low-light conditions. It will also come with features such as AI Remix Collage, Pop Cam, Popout 2.0, and Dual-View Video 2.0. OPPO has confirmed 4K 60fps HDR Video across all three focal lengthsL ultra-wide, main, and telephoto.

OPPO Bubble specs and features

The OPPO Bubble is launching alongside the Reno 16 series. It's a small circular display that attaches to the Reno 16 series magnetically. It features a 1.73-inch AMOLED display that works as a viewfinder for the Reno 16 series cameras and a remote control as well. It supports a 10-metre Bluetooth range and lets you set custom wallpapers and interactive pets on the display. The OPPO Bubble has a 550mAh battery and comes with IP54 dust and water resistance. 

OPPO Reno 16 series: what to expect

The Reno 16 series is confirmed to feature a 3D Pop Planet Design, which gives off a 3D effect on the rear panel. OPPO's continued focus on design, as seen in the 3D Pop Planet Design, suggests they're doubling down on aesthetics to stand out. The lineup also debuts the AI Snap Key on the Reno series. Similar to the AI Plus Key on OnePlus phones, this button acts as a shortcut for different features and mainly for storing content in an organised manner on MindSpace.

The Reno 16 is confirmed to feature a 6.32-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,800 nits of peak brightness. The Reno 16c gets a bigger 6.57-inch display with the same specs but a slightly lower brightness level of 1,400 nits.

Both phones are also launching with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K certifications, an aerospace-grade aluminium frame, along with splash touch and glove touch technology. The inclusion of multiple IP ratings could be a significant differentiator in this segment when it comes to durability. The Reno 16 series will launch in Starry White, Twilight Violet, and Stellar Purple colour variants. 

Based on the details we know so far, the Reno 16 is recommended for those who want a premium compact option with a stylish design and versatile cameras. The Reno 16c could be the affordable alternative to the Reno 16, but with a larger display. We should still wait for more details and reviews to see how much of an upgrade the Reno 16 series offers over the Reno 15 lineup. 

[highlights]

• Redmi Note 17 is tipped to feature a Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 chipset, a 9,000mAh battery, and a 50MP primary camera.
• A higher-end Redmi Note 17 Pro series model could pack a Dimensity 7500 chipset and a 10,000mAh battery.
• The Redmi Note 17 may launch in China in July, while the Pro models are expected to arrive later in July or August.

[/highlights]

Xiaomi may be preparing one of the biggest upgrades yet for its Redmi Note series. A fresh leak suggests the upcoming Redmi Note 17 lineup could bring substantial improvements in battery capacity, display quality, performance and durability, even on models below the flagship tier.

The latest information comes from tipster Smart Pikachu (via), who claims that multiple Redmi Note 17 models are currently in development for the Chinese market. While Xiaomi hasn't officially confirmed any specifications, the leaks point to the company bringing features once reserved for premium smartphones to the mid-range lineup.

Redmi Note 17 series expected specifications

According to Smart Pikachu, one Redmi Note 17 model may feature the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 chipset, a 9,000mAh battery, a flat 1.5K OLED display, water resistance and a 50MP primary camera. This corroborates an earlier leak shared by Digital Chat Station who also claimed one or more Redmi Note 17 series models will get upgraded batteries.

Another variant, which could eventually launch as the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max, is tipped to arrive with a Dimensity 7500-series chipset, a massive 10,000mAh battery, a 1.5K flat display, water resistance and a 200MP main camera. If these specifications prove accurate, Xiaomi could become one of the few major smartphone brands to push battery capacities into five-digit territory in the mainstream mid-range segment. For context, the current Redmi Note 15 Pro and Note 15 Pro+ feature batteries of up to 6,580mAh and 6,500mAh, respectively. A jump to 9,000mAh or even 10,000mAh would represent a significant generational leap. Notably, the Honor X80 Pro Max recently launched with an 11,000mAh after launching a 10,000mAh phone a few months ago. Even Realme has phones in the mid-range with 10,000mAh batteries.

Besides battery, performance could see an upgrade as well. Qualcomm has already confirmed that Redmi will be among the first brands to launch a smartphone powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 chipset. Meanwhile, the Dimensity 7500-powered variant would succeed last year's Redmi Note 15 Pro, which used the Dimensity 7400-Ultra platform. The alleged Redmi Note 17 Pro Max may retain the 200-megapixel camera seen on the current Redmi Note 15 Pro and Pro+.

Launch timeline

Digital Chat Station claims the standard Redmi Note 17 could debut in China as early as July, with the Pro models expected to follow in late July or August. Redmi is currently focused on the June 30th launch of the Redmi K90 Ultra, so official teasers for the Note 17 lineup may begin shortly after that event.

The Redmi Note 17 series is shaping up to be one of the more interesting mid-range launches of the year. Battery life appears set to become a major selling point, but bigger batteries often come with trade-offs in weight and thickness. Buyers looking for endurance-focused phones should keep an eye out on more Redmi Note 17 series leaks.

[highlights]

• OnePlus Nord Buds 4 feature six microphones for clear calls.
• The TWS gain significant ANC improvement over the Nord Buds 3.
• OnePlus Nord Buds 4 go on sale starting June 29th on Amazon and OnePlus Store.

[/highlights]

Following the release of the OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro (review) several months ago, the standard Nord Buds 4 have been unveiled today as a more affordable offering. Aimed at providing a class-leading isolated sound experience, the Nord Buds 4 feature 52 dB real-time active noise cancellation, a significant improvement over Nord Buds 3's 32 dB of ANC. Apart from that, OnePlus also boasts long-lasting battery life for listening to media for hours on end.

OnePlus Nord Buds 4 price, availability, sale date

The OnePlus Nord Buds 4 have been priced in India at Rs 3,299. As part of early bird offers, the TWS can be grabbed for Rs 3,099 on Amazon and OnePlus' online store. The sale of the Nord Buds 4 goes live on June 29th at 12 PM IST. The colour options include Astral Teal and Stellar Black.

What the OnePlus Nord Buds 4 offer

The OnePlus Nord Buds 4 offer ANC that reaches up to 52 dB. This ANC works in real-time by continuously monitoring and adapting to surrounding noise across a wide 5,000Hz frequency range. It's also said to significantly improve voice noise reduction, while Transparency mode allows for better awareness of the environment.

On the sound front, the Nord Buds 4 use 12mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers that deliver deeper and punchier bass. Users can customise the audio through Sound Master EQ with presets like Balanced, Serenade, and Bass Mode, plus a fully adjustable six-band equaliser. For calls, the earbuds feature six microphones supported by AI Clear Call technology. This setup effectively cuts down wind and traffic noise, allowing clear conversations even in windy conditions up to 25 km/h.

The earbuds also support 3D Spatial Audio for immersive listening on compatible OnePlus devices and offer Game Sound Spatial Audio with an ultra-low 47 ms latency, making them suitable for mobile gaming. OnePlus claims the earbuds can offer up to 54 hours of total playback time when using the charging case with ANC turned off. The earbuds themselves provide up to 13 hours on a single charge without ANC, and a quick 10-minute fast charge delivers up to 11 hours of use.

The case and buds are also TÜV Rheinland certified for over 1,000 charge cycles. Each earbud weighs just 4.3 grams and features an ergonomic shape tested on more than 1,000 different ear models. They come with IP55 dust and water resistance, while the case has a matte finish.

Connectivity features include Bluetooth 6.1 for stable performance and extended range, dual-device pairing, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair. Just like previous OnePlus TWS releases, the Nord Buds 4 get touch controls for controlling music and ANC modes. Additional smart features like AI Translate and AI Assistant are available on supported devices.

Overall, they improve upon the previous Nord Buds 3 with deeper ANC, stronger drivers, longer battery life, and better gaming performance, positioning them as a strong choice for everyday users, commuters, and gamers. If you're currently using Nord Buds 2 or other budget-oriented TWS, the ANC and battery life improvements make this a compelling upgrade. However, if you own the Nord Buds 3, the jump might not be significant enough unless enhanced ANC is a top priority.

[highlights]

• Vivo X500 Pro Max could be the top-end model in the lineup.
• This time, at least four models from Vivo's X500 series are expected.
• A Vivo X500e is also tipped to launch. 

[/highlights]

Vivo's X500 series is gaining traction with leaks around the upcoming phones surfacing online quite frequently now. This time, Vivo is expected to launch multiple models for its flagship X500 lineup, including a new X500e and X500 Pro Max models. Recently, the model numbers of the Vivo X500, X500 Pro, and X500e were spotted in the IMEI database. While the X500 Pro Max was also rumoured, it wasn't part of the listing. Now, this model has also reportedly appeared in the IMEI database.

Vivo X500 Pro Max spotted online

The Vivo X500 Pro Max has appeared in the IMEI database with the model number V2610, according to a report by tipster Passionategeekz. The listing doesn't reveal the handset's name, but the model number is believed to be the Vivo X500 Pro Max. With the latest sighting, four Vivo X500 series phones have been unofficially confirmed for the global market, at least. There should be a Vivo X500 FE model in the lineup too, but no word on that for now. 

Vivo X500 Pro Max: what to expect

Based on the naming scheme, the Vivo X500 Pro Max would be the most premium and powerful model in the lineup. It's tipped to house a 50MP Sony LYT838 primary camera, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 200MP periscope telephoto lens. This suggests a strong and versatile camera setup for the X500 Pro Max in the flagship segment. While a 200MP telephoto sounds impressive on paper, we'll still have to test it out to see real-world results. Also, Vivo's flagships are already known to offer one of the best cameras so it's interesting to see how the brand plans to improve it further. 

The handset is also tipped to feature a large 6.85-inch BOE AMOLED display with 2K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. It could be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9600-series chipset and a battery sized around 8,000mAh. This battery capacity in a flagship is a game-changer if Vivo can keep the device's form factor manageable. It also suggests that Vivo might be getting more serious about the flagship segment with not just cameras, but a large battery as well.  

Based on these details, the Vivo X500 Pro Max would be the top choice in the flagship lineup for those who want powerful cameras, a big and vibrant display, a large battery, and a high-performing chipset. It's still too early to assume anything, though, as Vivo would be launching its next-generation flagship phones later this year.

Given these early leaks, if you're in the market for a new flagship and prioritize extreme camera zoom or battery life, it's definitely worth waiting for the official Vivo X500 series launch later this year before making a purchase. Current X300 series users might find the camera and battery upgrades compelling enough to consider an upgrade, but hold off until full reviews are available.

[highlights]

• Sports Widget can display FIFA World Cup match scores in real-time.
• Users will be able to pair two Bluetooth devices to one OPPO device after the update.
• The rollout has already started on June 1st and is expected to conclude by June 30th.

[/highlights]

Known for delivering refinements and changes constantly through software updates, OPPO has started rolling out the ColorOS June update to several of its devices, such as the Find X9 series, Find X8 series, Reno 15 series, and others. With the ongoing FIFA World Cup, the main highlight of the update revolves around the sports widget, which users can add to their homescreens to keep tabs on live scores of a match. Further, the update brings support to connect two Bluetooth earphones to a single phone for shared listening experiences.

Here's what the ColorOS 16 June update brings

Sports Widget

The Sports Widget lets football fans track FIFA World Cup 2026 matches straight from the home screen or Shelf, displaying match schedules, live scores, and real-time updates. With AI-powered suggestions, relevant match info can automatically appear on the home screen about 30 minutes before kickoff on game days, reducing the need to constantly open dedicated apps.

Audio Sharing for dual listening

The update introduces Audio Sharing, which allows a single OPPO phone to stream audio simultaneously to two paired Bluetooth earbuds or headphones. This makes it easier for friends, couples, or family members to enjoy movies, music, or podcasts together during travel or free time. A similar kind of functionality has been present on Samsung's One UI, so it's great to see others, like ColorOS catching up.

[gallery link="file" columns="2" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="706037,706036"]

Enhanced security for accessibility permissions

In a move aimed at improving privacy, ColorOS 16 now features Accessibility Security Alerts. The system actively monitors for suspicious activity, such as unknown apps gaining Accessibility permissions, and immediately notifies users with a quick option to revoke access. This runs in the background to provide ongoing protection against potential misuse. From what we concur, this appears to be similar to the 'Advanced Protection' setting found on stock Android-based skins, such as Hello UI on Android 16.

Weather App Gets Lunar Details

The built-in Weather application has been upgraded with astronomical information, now showing Moonrise and Moonset times along with live moon phase data. This addition offers more context for users planning outdoor activities, stargazing, or photography sessions.

Outdoor Mode refinements

Introduced with the initial version of ColorOS 16 last year, gains the ability to pin up to four favourite apps for faster access in bright conditions. OPPO has also smoothed app transitions and boosted location responsiveness while the mode is active, making the feature more practical for hikes, sports, or travel.

[gallery link="file" columns="2" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="706035,706038"]

Since every OPPO device running ColorOS 16 will receive the June update, users can head over to Settings > System & update > Software update to check for the OTA update. Once available, hit the 'Download' button, and the firmware will begin downloading. OPPO notes that the rollout has already started on June 1st and is expected to conclude by June 30th.

This monthly refresh continues OPPO's focus on refining the user experience with targeted, real-world features rather than overhauling the entire interface. Also, this update solidifies ColorOS 16's position as a user-friendly and feature-rich Android skin, particularly for sports enthusiasts and privacy-conscious users

[highlights]

• iQOO Neo 11S could house a massive battery crossing the 8,000mAh mark.
• The handset will most likely cater to power users and gamers.
• iQOO Neo 11S is tipped to launch later this summer. 

[/highlights]

iQOO appears to be preparing another performance-focused smartphone for the Chinese market from its Neo 11 series. New details, from tipster Digital Chat Station suggests the next entrant could be the iQOO Neo 11S. While the device has not been officially named, its launch is reportedly drawing closer and may take place during China's summer holiday shopping season, likely in July or August.

iQOO Neo 11S specifications (expected)

According to the leak, the upcoming handset will use an underclocked version of MediaTek's next-generation Dimensity 9500 chipset, which could be the Dimensity 9500s. Despite the lower clock speeds, the chip is expected to deliver near-flagship performance, continuing iQOO's strategy of offering high-end gaming and multitasking capabilities at a more accessible price point.

The rest of the rumored specifications paint an even clearer picture of a performance-focused phone. The iQOO Neo 11S is said to feature a 2K flat display with a 144Hz refresh rate, an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, and IP68/IP69-rated dust and water resistance. Most notably, the battery could exceed 8,000mAh, a capacity that would place it among the largest in its segment and significantly ahead of many competing flagship devices.

If the leak proves accurate, the Neo 11S could serve as a more affordable alternative to premium flagship phones. Compared to the Neo 11, which debuted in November 2025, the new model is expected to launch as an affordable alternative. The Neo 11 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which is known to offer higher CPU speeds. So the Neo 11S may not be as fast as the Neo 11, but it could launch with a bigger battery if the leak turns out to be accurate. The Neo 11 has a 7,500mAh battery. 

The iQOO Neo 11S may be worth waiting for if battery life, gaming performance, and display quality are priorities. However, users seeking major camera upgrades may find the improvements relatively modest. As always, the final value proposition will depend on iQOO's pricing, which has historically been one of the Neo series' strongest selling points.

[highlights]

• The Nothing Phone 4b is tipped to come in black, white and blue colour options.
• Nothing has posted a teaser video revealing the Phone 4b's design.
• The Nothing Phone 4b launches in India and globally on July 7th.

[/highlights]

When a Nothing phone launches, there's always greater anticipation around its design, and rightly so since the company does pretty interesting things with its signature transparent aesthetic. Similar is the case with the Nothing Phone 4b, which is confirmed to launch as one of the company's more affordable phones on July 7th. Shortly after leaks emerged giving us what could be the clearest look yet at the upcoming smartphone, the same leaked design was confirmed by a teaser video posted by Nothing which completely revealed the phone's design.

Nothing Phone 4b design and colour options

A new video posted by Nothing's global X page shows the Phone 4b will continue Nothing's distinctive design language. This came shortly after tipsters Abhishek Yadav and Debayan Roy shared renders showcasing the phone in different colour options.

Phone (4b).
7 July, 11:00 BST. pic.twitter.com/ksHy9hTM1x

— Nothing (@nothing) June 25, 2026

The official video plays out with the Phone 4b being sketched. The design is very Nothing, featuring a transparent-inspired rear panel, visible screws, flat sides, rounded corners and the Glyph lighting system arranged in a bar like the Phone 4a. There's a dual rear camera setup in two large left-aligned cutouts which sit on an iPhone 17 Pro-like plateau with the LED flash and Glyph system. Between the cameras and Glyph strip sits a pill-shaped module housing the LED flash and another circular sensor or decorative element. The plateau seems to have a bit of a texture with accents on the top and right and some screws placed asymmetrically to lend to the industrial aesthetic. Overall, the placement of the plateau gives the design a more symmetrical look than other Nothing phones. The phone uses a flat-frame design with rounded corners. The frame appears metallic, although leaks suggest the final product may use plastic.

While the video shows only a blue option, the leaked image shared by Roy shows white and dark grey/black colours too. The blue version is arguably the most striking, as the coloured internal panel makes the transparent-inspired design elements stand out more prominently. 

India launch details and expected price

Nothing co-founder and India President Akis Evangelidis has confirmed that the Phone 4b will sit below the Phone 4a in the company's portfolio, establishing what appears to be the long-term positioning of the b-series. Current leaks suggest the Phone 4b could be priced around Rs 30,000 or slightly higher. If accurate, that would place it below the Nothing Phone 4a, which starts at Rs 37,999 in India, while competing with devices such as Motorola's starting Edge 70 series models, OnePlus Nord CE phones and Samsung's upcoming Galaxy M47 and Galaxy F70 Pro.

A recent Geekbench listing had already pointed to the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset. Nothing will likely rely on its distinctive hardware design, clean Android experience and long-term software support to justify the price premium, if the leaks are true. For buyers who prioritise those factors over performance, the Phone 4b could emerge as one of the more interesting options when it launches on July 7th.

[highlights]

• The iQOO Z11 Lite is tipped to launch in mid-July 2026 with the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, a 6,500mAh battery, and 44W fast charging.
• The smartphone is expected to run OriginOS 6 out of the box and offer AI-powered creation and captioning features.
• The iQOO Z11 Lite is likely to sit below the iQOO Z11x, if launched in India.

[/highlights]

iQOO could soon be expanding its affordable Z-series portfolio with a new smartphone. As per a new leak, iQOO could be preparing a budget-focused offering that will sit below the recently launched iQOO Z11x. It's being called the iQOO Z11 Lite and could potentially help the brand re-enter a price segment that has become underserved in recent months, thanks to price hikes.

The phone has earlier made an appearance on the Google Play Console with the same chipset and a render, indicating an impending launch.

iQOO Z11 Lite expected specifications

According to tipster Sanju Choudhary, the iQOO Z11 Lite is set to launch in mid-July 2026 and will feature the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, a 6,500mAh battery, 44W fast charging, and OriginOS 6 out of the box. Interestingly, this is the same chipset that powered the iQOO Z10 Lite 5G, which launched in India in 2025 starting at Rs 9,999.

Further, the iQOO Z11 Lite is tipped to pack a larger 6,500mAh battery, a notable upgrade over the 6,000mAh cell found on the Z10 Lite. Support for 44W charging would also be a significant improvement over the previous model's 15W charging speeds. The device is expected to run OriginOS 6 out of the box and include AI-powered creation and captioning features, reflecting the industry's growing focus on artificial intelligence even in affordable smartphones.

India availability and pricing

The tipster hasn't specifically mentioned whether the launch information pertains to India or not but has sought price guesses. Even though the iQOO Z11 Lite is expected to pack the same chipset as its predecessor, the same sub-Rs 10,000 price tag shouldn't be expected. Instead, the iQOO Z11 Lite, if it launches in India, is expected to be positioned below the iQOO Z11x, which currently starts at Rs 22,999 and goes up to Rs 26,999. That makes a sub-Rs 20,000 price tag a realistic possibility, though the final pricing will depend on memory configurations and launch offers.

The sub-Rs 20,000 segment has become increasingly thin as brands have pushed prices upward across their portfolios. Currently, iQOO, Vivo, and OPPO have limited options in this category compared to a few years ago, leaving room for a well-specced device to attract value-conscious buyers.

Competition is likely to come from phones from Lava, POCO and itel. A combination of a large battery, faster charging, AI features, and a relatively clean software experience could help the Z11 Lite stand out if priced aggressively. Buyers who prioritise battery life and everyday reliability over gaming-focused performance should wait for the iQOO Z11 Lite announcement.

[highlights]

• The lineup starts from Rs 42,990 and goes all the way up to Rs 2,39,990
• The Sony BRAVIA Trio is Sony's flagship wireless home theatre system.
• The newly announced products will be available for purchase starting July 1st.

[/highlights]

Sony has just strengthened its premium home audio portfolio in India by introducing the new BRAVIA Theatre series, including the flagship BRAVIA Theatre Trio, two soundbars, powerful subwoofers, and a couple of wireless rear speakers. Designed to deliver a more immersive and cinematic experience at home, these new additions focus on wider soundstages, precise dialogue clarity, deep bass, and flexible multi-speaker setups, suitable for movie lovers and serious home theatre enthusiasts. These products will be available on Sony retail stores, Sony Centre, Sony exclusive stores, and Amazon.

What Sony's new BRAVIA Theatre lineup has to offer

BRAVIA Theatre Trio

Price - Rs 2,39,990, Best buy - Rs 1,69,990
Availability - July 1st onwards

Sony's most premium offering replaces the traditional soundbar with a dedicated three-piece system (left, centre, right). This design comes with superior soundstage width and crystal-clear dialogue. When combined with the Sub 9 and Rear 9 and Dolby Atmos and DTS, it can create up to 24 phantom speakers to output impressive sound that should make big-screen content feel truly theatrical.

BRAVIA Theatre Bar 7

Price - Rs 99,990, Best buy - Rs 82,990
Availability - July 1st onwards

This is a high-end soundbar featuring 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, Dolby Atmos, IMAX Enhanced support, and multiple up-firing and side-firing drivers. It packs nine speaker units, including up-firing and side-firing speakers along with four passive radiators, enabling expansive surround sound and enhanced height effects. It appears to be a strong pick for users who want rich, room-filling sound without going full modular. Also, for those with older soundbars, the Bar 7 offers significant advancements in spatial audio.

BRAVIA Theatre Bar 5

Price - Rs 37,990, Best buy - Rs 29,990
Availability - August 18th onwards

The BRAVIA Theatre Bar is the more accessible option over the Theatre Bar 7, which is a 3.1-channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer. It brings Dolby Atmos and useful features like Voice Zoom, making it a solid entry point into Sony's premium audio ecosystem. Just like its premium counterparts, the soundbar gains support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for an immersive sound experience.

BRAVIA Theatre Sub 9

Price - Rs 94,990, Best buy - Rs 79,990
Availability - August 3rd onwards

The BRAVIA Theatre Sub 9 is a premium wireless subwoofer built to deliver deep, powerful bass. With a 600W amplifier, dual opposing drivers, and vibration-cancelling technology, it produces clean, punchy low-end that brings movies, music, and games to life without unwanted distortion. It also features an aluminium driver for better accuracy and pairs effortlessly with other BRAVIA Theatre components via the BRAVIA Connect app for easy setup.

BRAVIA Theatre Sub 8

Price - Rs 42,990, Best buy - Rs 34,990
Availability - August 3rd onwards

The BRAVIA Theatre Sub 8 is designed to deliver deep, rich bass with excellent clarity. It packs a 300W amplifier and uses a dual-driver setup with an aluminium unit for clean, distortion-free low-end performance. Just like the Sub 9, it connects with compatible BRAVIA TVs via Direct Connect and the BRAVIA Connect app, making setup quick and easy. It's suitable for all kinds of entertainment, be it movies, sports, or gaming, the Sub 8 adds that satisfying, room-filling bass that makes everything sound more cinematic.

BRAVIA Theatre Rear 9 and Rear 8

The BRAVIA Theatre Rear 9 priced at Rs 74,990 is designed with the same elegant philosophy as the BRAVIA Theatre Trio to create a more immersive surround sound experience. It features large up-firing drivers and high-quality aluminium units for rich spatial audio. Its sleek, compact design blends nicely into modern living rooms, while the wireless connectivity and swivel wall-mount bracket give you flexible placement options.

On the other hand, the Rear 8 costs significantly less (Rs 44,990) than the Rear 9 and accordingly offers a decent home theatre experience that delivers enhanced surround sound with greater immersion and flexibility. Both devices will be available starting July 1st.

BRAVIA Direct Connect

BRAVIA Direct Connect is a feature that allows compatible BRAVIA televisions to connect directly with BRAVIA Theatre Subwoofers and Rear Speakers without requiring a soundbar. This provides customers with greater flexibility to enhance bass performance, expand surround sound, or gradually build a home theatre system based on their preferences and budget. With support for multiple configurations, including TV + subwoofer, TV + rear speakers and TV + Subwoofer + Rear Speakers.

With the new BRAVIA releases, Sony is aiming at users who want a refined, expandable home theatre system rather than just another speaker. The pricing feels premium, which is to be expected, but the effective "Best Buy" prices are quite attractive, especially for the Trio and Bar 7. The modular approach with easy Direct Connect is a smart move that should appeal to both new buyers and those looking to upgrade their existing BRAVIA setups.

[highlights]

• An unnamed Redmi Note 17 series model could feature a massive 9,000mAh battery, a new tip suggests.
• The Redmi Note 17 lineup is also tipped to bring flagship-grade water resistance and improved drop protection.
• The series is expected to launch in China around September.

[/highlights]

The Redmi Note 17 series has surfaced in a fresh leak, revealing what could be one of the biggest upgrades in the lineup's history. According to tipster Digital Chat Station, an upcoming Redmi Note 17 model could feature a battery in the 9,000mAh range, alongside a Snapdragon 6-series processor, a high-resolution display, and upgraded durability features.

While Xiaomi has not officially confirmed any details, the leak adds to growing speculation that the company is preparing to push battery capacity significantly higher across its next-generation mid-range smartphones, which is pretty much in line with what is happening across the industry.

Redmi Note 17 series expected specifications

As per the latest leak from DCS, the Redmi Note 17 series phone could feature a flat 1.5K resolution display, dual stereo speakers tuned for higher volume output, and flagship-grade water resistance. The device is also tipped to offer improved drop protection, suggesting Xiaomi may be focusing on durability as much as battery life this year.

Under the hood, the phone is expected to be powered by a Snapdragon 6-series chipset. Although the exact processor remains unclear, industry speculation points to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 5. Qualcomm has already confirmed that Redmi will be among the first brands to launch a smartphone powered by the new chip.

The reported 9,000mAh battery would represent a substantial jump over the current generation. For comparison, the Redmi Note 15 5G packs a 5,520mAh battery, while the Redmi Note 15 Pro and Note 15 Pro+ feature batteries of up to 6,580mAh and 6,500mAh, respectively. An earlier leak from tipster Yogesh Brar suggested that some Chinese variants in the Note 17 series could even cross the 10,000mAh mark, while global models may arrive with capacities ranging between 8,000mAh and 9,000mAh. Whatever the case may be, the jump is significant and finally puts Xiaomi on par with the likes of OnePlus, whose mid-range phones from the Nord series are packing up to 9,000mAh cells.

The leak also mentions a separate Redmi smartphone with a 10,000mAh battery that remains under development. The device is rumoured to launch as the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max and could arrive between August and September in China.

Redmi Note 17 series expected launch timeline

The Redmi Note 17 lineup is expected to debut in China around September, in line with previous Redmi Note launches. The series has already appeared on the EEC and GSMA certification databases, indicating that Xiaomi has begun preparations for an international rollout.

The Redmi Note 17 series could be worth waiting for if battery life is a priority. However, a larger battery often comes with trade-offs in weight and thickness. The final verdict will depend on how Xiaomi balances endurance with design, charging speeds, cameras, and overall performance

[highlights]

• The Nothing Phone 4b is launching in India and globally on July 7th.
• The smartphone is tipped to feature dual rear cameras and be priced around or over Rs 30,000.
• The Phone 4b will sit below the Phone 4a series as the first model in Nothing's new 'b' lineup.

[/highlights]

If you were hoping that in this time of rising smartphone prices, the Nothing Phone 4b would bring some relief, the latest tip could leave you disappointed. Tipster Debayan Roy suggests the smartphone could be priced around or above Rs 30,000 in India. The leak also claims the device will feature dual rear cameras, adding a new twist (and some solace) to earlier speculation around the phone's design. Nothing's upcoming Phone 4b is scheduled to launch on July 7th in India and globally.

Nothing Phone 4b expected India price range

A few days earlier, Nothing co-founder and India President Akis Evangelidis had clarified the Phone 4b will sit below the Phone 4a, and that would be the general hierarchy for the b-series within Nothing's lineup. The latest information suggests the Nothing Phone 4b is expected to be priced at around Rs 30,000 or slightly higher. That would place it between mainstream mid-range phones and premium mid-range offerings such as the Motorola Edge 70 series starting models, OnePlus' Nord CE 6 models, and possibly Samsung's upcoming Galaxy M47 and Galaxy F70 Pro. For context, the Nothing Phone 4a currently starts at Rs 37,999 in India.

Nothing Phone 4b specifications and expected features

A Geekbench listing earlier in the day revealed that the Nothing Phone 4b will come with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset, which was earlier seen in phones like the Realme P3 and OPPO K13, both of which launched under Rs 20,000 but in 2025, when memory prices were still at normal levels. Nothing will likely be banking on its signature design, clean Android experience, and software support to justify the premium.

The latest teaser sketches shared by Nothing India offer perhaps the clearest look yet at the Phone 4b's rear design. Earlier material led many observers to believe the device would feature a single rear camera, an unusual decision in a market where dual-camera systems have become standard even on affordable smartphones. However, the newest sketches tell a different story. The design illustrations prominently show two large circular cutouts within an elongated camera island, alongside smaller circular elements that could house a flash or additional sensors. While Nothing hasn't officially confirmed the camera hardware, the drawings appear more consistent with a dual-camera setup than a single-lens design. Tipster Debayan Roy has also suggested there could be a dual camera setup. Besides the camera cutouts, we see visible screws, layered detailing, and transparent-inspired design elements, which suggest the company is retaining its visual identity.

For buyers considering getting a Nothing phone, it may be worth waiting until July 7th before making a decision. The Phone 4b could deliver a similar software experience and distinctive design at a lower price than the 4a series, though the final value will depend on how aggressively Nothing prices the device against established mid-range competitors.

[highlights]

• Redmi 17C has a large 6.88-inch HD+ display.
• The handset has been launched in China.
• It's a successor to the Redmi 15C.

[/highlights]

Redmi has launched a new budget smartphone in China, the Redmi 17C. The handset comes with a large display, a sizeable 5,160mAh battery, and the MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra chipset. The Redmi 17C succeeds the Redmi 15C, which was launched in September last year. Redmi is expected to bring the 17C to India as well. The handset is part of Redmi's budget lineup sitting below the Note series. 

Redmi 17C specifications and features

Redmi 17C features a large 6.88-inch HD+ (720×1,640 pixels) display with a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 240Hz touch sampling rate, and up to 600 nits of global brightness. The large display makes the phone a good contender for those who prefer watching movies and TV shows primarily on a phone. Powering the phone is the MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra chipset paired with 4GB RAM and up to 128GB of storage. This is the same chipset on the Redmi 15C, which means you'll most likely get similar performance on both phones. 

Redmi has equipped the 17C with a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP selfie camera. This camera setup is decent for the budget segment, but alternatives from brands like Samsung are offering better options. The Redmi 17C packs a 5,160mAh battery with 18W wired charging support. However, Redmi is shipping a 10W charger in the box, so expect slower charging speeds. 

The Redmi 17C doesn't necessarily excel in any major area, but instead offers a well-balanced hardware covering key aspects. It's more for those who want a well-rounded budget smartphone than users who are seeking top performance or versatile cameras. 

Redmi 17C price

The Redmi 17C is priced at CNY 799 (Rs 11,200 approx) for the base variant with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. It comes in another variant with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage, which is priced at CNY 899 (Rs 12,600 approx). The handset comes in Black, Danxia Red, and Sea Breeze Blue colours. 

Since the Redmi 15C launched in India too, we expect the Redmi 17C to arrive here as well. Based on its specifications and pricing, the Redmi 17C is recommended for those who want a reliable budget smartphone with a large display and dependable performance for daily use. However, those expecting better cameras or larger batteries may want to explore other options. It's still advisable to wait for reviews and compare with the Redmi 15C to see if it's worth upgrading to the Redmi 17C. 

[highlights]

• Motorola will launch the Moto Pad 70 Pro in India with a 13-inch 3.5K 144Hz display, Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, and Android 16.
• The tablet features a 10,200mAh battery with 45W charging, quad JBL speakers with Dolby Atmos, and WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0.
• Motorola will bundle the Moto Pen Pro in the box and offer a keyboard with select variants.

[/highlights]

Motorola is set to expand its tablet portfolio in India with the launch of the Moto Pad 70 Pro on June 27th. The tablet combines a flagship-grade chipset, a large high-resolution display, long software support, and bundled accessories aimed at both entertainment and productivity users. The microsite of the tablet is live on Flipkart, confirming specifications. Here's what to expect from the device.

Moto Pad 70 Pro specifications

The Moto Pad 70 Pro will feature a large 13-inch LCD display with a 3.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. The panel also supports Dolby Vision, covers 99 percent of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, and reaches up to 800 nits of high brightness mode, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Under the hood, Motorola has confirmed the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, paired with LPDDR5X RAM. While the company has not revealed memory configurations yet, the hardware places the tablet well above most mid-range Android alternatives. Motorola is also promising support for up to 120fps gaming in supported titles. The tablet packs a 10,200mAh battery with 45W fast charging support. Notably, Motorola will bundle a 68W charger in the box, something that is becoming a bit rare in the premium device segment.

The Moto Pad 70 Pro will run Android 16 out of the box and is promised two years of OS upgrades alongside six years of security updates, even though some rivals offer longer Android version support.

For entertainment, the Moto Pad 70 Pro includes a quad-speaker setup tuned by JBL with Dolby Atmos support. Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and support for microSD cards up to 2TB. The company will include the Moto Pen Pro stylus in the box, while select variants will also ship with a keyboard accessory. This could make the tablet attractive to students, professionals, and content creators looking for a portable productivity setup.

By bundling accessories such as the Moto Pen Pro and keyboard, the company seems to be targeting users who want a single device for entertainment, note-taking, and light productivity. Android tablet makers increasingly compete with Apple's iPad lineup and entry-level Windows laptops, with large displays, desktop-style software features, and accessory ecosystems becoming key differentiators.

For buyers planning to purchase a premium Android tablet in the coming weeks, it may be worth waiting until June 27th. The Moto Pad 70 Pro appears to offer a strong mix of performance, entertainment features, and productivity tools in a single package, potentially giving established rivals fresh competition. If Motorola can price the Moto Pad 70 Pro aggressively, it could strengthen the brand's position in the premium Android tablet segment while appealing to existing Motorola smartphone users looking for a seamless multi-device experience.

[highlights]

• Redmi K90 Ultra will feature the same cooling fan as the K90 Max.
• The handset will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC.
• It is set to debut in China this month. 

[/highlights]

Redmi is introducing a new model to its K90 series, the K90 Ultra. This one, too, will be launched as a new gaming-focused smartphone, equipped with a built-in cooling fan, like the recently launched Redmi K90 Max. The brand has now officially revealed the launch details of the Redmi K90 Ultra, along with key specifications about the handset. 

Redmi K90 Ultra launch date 

The Redmi K90 Ultra is scheduled to launch in China on June 30th at 7 pm China time. The handset is confirmed to launch in the CNY 3,000 (Rs 41,853 approx) price segment as a performance-focused gaming smartphone. This price segment has become a focus for brands to offer flagship-level chipsets and large battery capacities with performance in mind. 

In addition to the launch date, Xiaomi Group President Lu Weibing also shared key details about the Redmi K90 Ultra. The smartphone is claimed to achieve 144 FPS ultra-high definition graphics in MOBA games. Weibing also said that the Redmi K90 Ultra has been tested for a 180-minute game run in a 30℃ environment with no frequency throttling or frame drops throughout the session. This suggests that the Redmi K90 Ultra can handle graphic-heavy titles without breaking a sweat.

The Redmi K90 Ultra will be equipped with a D2 dedicated gaming graphics chip, e-sports touch controls, gaming audio effects, and landscape network optimisation. It also houses the same active cooling fan as the Redmi K90 Max, claimed to reduce the temperature up to 10°C in 100 seconds.

Gaming smartphones are now evolving beyond simply offering the fastest processor and brands are focusing on dedicated gaming hardware and improved thermal management to deliver consistent performance during long sessions. The Redmi K90 Ultra also follows a similar approach.

The Redmi K90 Ultra is confirmed to run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is a flagship chipset, but launched in 2024. It's still capable of achieving high performance levels. It could also house a battery capacity larger than 8,500mAh with 100W fast charging support. This would make it one of the biggest in its class.

With this hardware setup, the Redmi K90 Ultra would stand out among the performance-focused smartphones in its segment. Its dedicated features and equipment for thermals give it an advantage over rivals for intensive gaming sessions. The Redmi K90 Ultra seems suited for power users who want a performance-focused phone with a large battery. For serious mobile gamers prioritising sustained performance, this looks like a strong contender, but general users might find its specialised features overkill. It's still advisable to wait for reviews and see if the upgrades are significant before going ahead and purchasing the handset. 

[highlights]

• Vivo X Fold 6 could start at CNY 9,999 in China.
• The foldable is launching in four memory configurations.
• Most of its key specs have been officially confirmed. 

[/highlights]

The Vivo X Fold 6 is set to launch in China on June 26th. It's Vivo's next-generation foldable launching with upgrades, including a large 7,000mAh battery, the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Super Edition, and a 200MP primary camera. Although we're only two days away from its debut, a new leak reveals what could be the starting price of the Vivo X Fold 6. 

Vivo X Fold 6 price leaked

According to a leaked image on Weibo of what's supposed to be the retail box of the Vivo X Fold 6, the handset will launch at a starting price of CNY 9,999 (Rs 1,39,683 approx). This would be for the base variant with 12GB RAM and 256GB onboard storage. If the leaked pricing is true, then this would mean a major price hike over the Vivo X Fold 5, which launched at CNY 6,999 (Rs 97,774) for the same variant. 

The Vivo X Fold 6 is confirmed to launch in three more variants. According to the leak, the 12GB + 512GB variant will cost CNY 10,999 (Rs 1,53,653 approx), the 16GB + 512GB variant will be priced at CNY 11,499 (Rs 1,60,638 approx), and the 16GB + 1TB variant at CNY 12,499 (Rs 1,74,608 approx). 

Based on this leak, the Vivo X Fold 6 could actually see a major price hike. This isn't entirely surprising, as the smartphone industry has been facing this issue with new and existing phones launching at much higher prices due to a surge in memory costs. 

Vivo X Fold 6: what to expect

The Vivo X Fold 6 has been confirmed to launch with the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Super Edition, ship with OriginOS 6 Fold, and an upgraded Atomic Workbench for enhanced multitasking. This setup is expected to deliver smoother app performance, gaming, and better productivity on a foldable screen with the X Fold 6. It will house a 200MP sensor and the first Zeiss APO super periscope telephoto lens on a foldable, along with Vivo's Blueprint V3+ imaging chip and support for the Vivo Zeiss G2 teleconverter (200mm) for enhanced zoom capabilities. The 200MP camera with Zeiss APO lens will appeal to mobile photography enthusiasts looking for DSLR-like capabilities in a foldable form factor.

Vivo X Fold 6 will also offer a 7,000mAh battery, one of the largest on a foldable. These upgrades are expected to make the Vivo X Fold 6 stand out among rivals, but whether they're enough to justify the high price tag is something we'll find out later. So, if you have been eyeing the Vivo X Fold 6, you might want to prepare to spend more than expected. For those who already own an X Fold 5, you might want to hold off on buying the new model unless the upgrades are highly significant. 

[highlights]

• The Nothing Phone (4b) has been spotted on Geekbench with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset, 8GB RAM and Android 16.
• Nothing has confirmed that the Phone (4b) will launch on July 7th, marking the start of the company's new b-series lineup.
• The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 also powers phones such as the OPPO K13 5G and Realme P3 5G, which launched in 2025.

[/highlights]

Nothing may be sparsely revealing details about its upcoming "budget" phone, the nothing Phone 4b, but it's time certifications and listings start doing most of the talking. The Nothing Phone 4b has appeared on Geekbench ahead of its launch in India on July 7th, giving us an early look at the hardware. Here's what the listing reveals.

Nothing Phone 4b specifications

The Nothing Phone 4b listing, spotted by us, suggests that the device will be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset, paired with 8GB RAM and Android 16 out of the box. The benchmarked unit, carrying model number A009P, scored 1,088 in the single-core test and 3,155 in the multi-core test on Geekbench 6. It also achieved an OpenCL score of 2,896, indicating the performance users can expect from the Adreno 810 GPU.

Nothing has already teased the device and recently shared a sketch video revealing parts of its design. The phone appears to retain the company's signature transparent aesthetic. However, leaked visuals suggest it could feature a single rear camera, a decision that may divide opinion in a market where even entry-level and mid-range smartphones typically offer dual-camera setups.

The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor features CPU clock speeds of 2.30GHz, 2.21GHz, and 1.80GHz across its cores. While benchmark scores do not always reflect real-world performance, the chipset has already been seen in devices such as the OPPO K13 5G and Realme P3 5G.

For reference, the OPPO K13 5G launched in India at Rs 17,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant, while the Realme P3 5G debuted at Rs 16,999 for the 6GB + 128GB model. This gives an indication of the performance segment Nothing could be targeting with the Phone (4b).

India launch details

The Phone (4b) is scheduled to launch globally on July 7th. Nothing co-founder Akis Evangelidis recently explained the company's revised product naming strategy. According to him, numbers will represent product generations, while letters will define product segments. He also confirmed that the a-series will remain Nothing's most premium lineup below its flagship smartphones, while the newly introduced b-series is aimed at a different segment, presumably budget. The company is also retiring the "Lite" branding as it streamlines its portfolio.

Users shopping in the sub-Rs 30,000 segment, waiting until the July 7th launch may be worthwhile. The Phone (4b) could deliver a similar Nothing experience at a lower price, though its final value will depend on pricing, cameras, and overall feature set. With budget phones from OPPO, Realme, iQOO, and Motorola already competing aggressively in the sub-Rs 25,000 segment, Nothing will need more than just its transparent design to stand out.

[highlights]

• The boAt Airdopes ProClip makes open-ear listening more accessible.
• Key specifications include 12mm drivers, 500mAh case battery, IPX4 rating, and more
• boAt Airdopes ProClip are available on boAt's website, Amazon, and Flipkart

[/highlights]

In an aim to make the open-ear audio category more accessible, boAt has today unveiled the Airdopes ProClip, designed for Indian listening conditions at just Rs 1,599. The earbuds are meant for users who want to listen to audio while staying aware of their surroundings, ideal for daily commutes, workouts, office use, and outdoor activities.

boAt Airdopes ProClip availability, colour options, specifications

Priced at Rs 1,599, the boAt Airdopes ProClip comes in Velvet White, Silk Grey, and Satin White colour options and is already up for grabs on boAt's official website, Amazon and Flipkart.

Unlike traditional in-ear earbuds, the ProClip adopts an open-ear design that rests on the ear rather than blocking the ear canal. To address one of the biggest drawbacks of open-ear audio, i.e. sound leakage, the company has implemented Sonic Seal technology, which aims to deliver a more private listening experience in public spaces. The company claims that this technology results in 'minimal audio leakage'.

As for the specifications and features, the Airdopes ProClip gets a 12mm driver size, which is on par with the earphones available under Rs 2,000, such as the OnePlus Nord Buds 3r featuring 12.4mm drivers. While the case packs a 500mAh battery, each earbud features a 50mAh battery. boAt claims the earbuds can deliver up to 52 hours of playback. Since these earbuds will be worn by many during workouts or outdoor runs, the Aidropes ProClip are IPX4 rated to avoid damage from moisture and sweat.

Summing up

At this price point, the Airdopes ProClip makes open-ear listening significantly more accessible to mainstream buyers in India, where awareness, comfort, and affordability matter a lot. The product directly competes in the budget open-ear category and looks to challenge existing players with its combination of comfort and practical features.

That being said, if traditional truly wireless earbuds don't suit your ears, these open ear style earbuds from boAt are worth checking out, especially at the price they retail for. The Airdopes Clips also make sense for those who don't wish to isolate themselves from the outside noise when listening to music, as these open-ear earphones allow sound to enter to a good extent. As for the sound quality, we're quite uncertain since we've yet to try these earphones.

[highlights]

• iQOO has increased the prices of the iQOO 15, iQOO 15R and iQOO Neo 10 by up to Rs 2,000.
• The iQOO 15 is now up to Rs 4,000 costlier, the iQOO 15R up to Rs 9,000 costlier, and the iQOO Neo 10 up to Rs 11,000 costlier.
• The phones come with Snapdragon chipset and over 7,000mAh batteries.

[/highlights]

iQOO has increased the prices of its most popular smartphones in India once again, less than two weeks after a previous revision. First pointed out by tipster Sanju Choudhary, the iQOO 15, iQOO 15R and iQOO Neo 10 have all received price hikes of up to Rs 2,000 across multiple variants. The revised prices are already live across sales channels.

The latest increase comes amid an industry-wide trend of rising smartphone prices, with brands increasingly citing higher component costs, premium hardware and growing investments in AI features as factors influencing pricing. Even Apple CEO Tim Cook has admitted that the company's products are going to be affected by the ongoing crisis.

iQOO 15, 15R, Neo 10 new prices

The flagship iQOO 15 has seen its 12GB + 256GB variant rise from Rs 74,999 to Rs 76,999, while the 16GB + 512GB model now costs Rs 83,999 instead of Rs 81,999. This means the iQOO 15 is now effectively Rs 4,000 more expensive than its original launch price of Rs 72,999 for the base variant. The top-end model has also moved up by Rs 4,000 from its launch price of Rs 79,999.

The iQOO 15R has received similar hikes. The 8GB + 256GB variant now costs Rs 49,999, up from Rs 47,999. The 12GB + 256GB model is priced at Rs 54,999, while the 12GB + 512GB variant now costs Rs 61,999. Compared to launch pricing, the increases range between Rs 5,000 and Rs 9,000 depending on the variant.

The iQOO Neo 10 has also become more expensive. The 8GB + 256GB variant now retails at Rs 41,999, while the 12GB + 256GB model costs Rs 46,999. These variants launched at Rs 33,999 and Rs 35,999, respectively, representing a substantial jump over the original pricing. Two more variants, 8GB +128GB and 16GB + 512GB, had launched initially in 2025, but they were discontinued.

The hike is notable because all three phones were initially positioned as value-for-money offerings. The Neo 10, in particular, stood out for bringing the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, a 7,000mAh battery and 120W charging to a relatively affordable price point.

Should you buy the phones now?

Despite the price increases, the three devices remain competitive in their respective categories, considering their competitors at launch have received greater hikes than the iQOO phones. The iQOO 15 continues to offer flagship-level hardware, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, a 2K 144Hz AMOLED display, triple 50MP cameras and a 7,000mAh battery. Similarly, the iQOO 15R remains one of the few phones in its segment to combine a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor with a massive 7,600mAh battery.

The OnePlus 15 launched at the same price as the iQOO 15 with competitive specifications, but now starts at Rs 85,999. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 15R, which is in direct competition with the iQOO 15R, starts at Rs 54,999. So technically, iQOO's phones have a bit of a price advantage. But considering the frequency of price revisions, consumers should act fast in case they wish to make a purchase since further hikes cannot be ruled out. The Amazon and Flipkart sale season is approaching but it's highly likely that by the time we get there, the prices would have been given some upward movement yet again that the discounts might seem redundant. So the best time to act is now.

[highlights]

• Motorola Edge 70 Max will be the first Max model in the lineup.
• Leaked images show a flat design.
• The smartphone could be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. 

[/highlights]

Motorola could be preparing its most ambitious Edge-series smartphone yet. Leaked marketing materials obtained by DigitalCitizen suggest the company is working on the Motorola Edge 70 Max, the first-ever "Max" model in the Edge lineup. It would join the existing Edge 70 lineup, which already has four models. The Motorola Edge 70 Max could be the most powerful one in the series, with a new flat design.

Motorola Edge 70 Max flat design

The biggest change appears to be the design. Unlike previous Edge smartphones that typically featured curved displays other than the Neo models, the Edge 70 Max adopts a flat display and flat-frame design, marking a first for the series. The phone is shown in Onyx Black, Sage Green, and Glacier Blue colour options, each featuring Motorola's signature batwing logo and a colour-matched camera module.

[gallery link="file" size="full" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="705769,705770,705771"]

Under the hood, the Edge 70 Max is said to be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. The Motorola Signature also uses the same chipset. Users can expect top-tier gaming performance, faster AI processing, and smooth multitasking at the flagship level. 

The leak also points to a versatile camera setup. Renders show a triple-camera setup consisting of a main camera, telephoto lens, and ultra-wide sensor. Marketing images highlight portrait photography, low-light shots, and action photography. Other notable details include razor-thin display bezels, wireless charging support, and MIL-STD 810H durability certification.

The leaked materials also reference "Qira," which appears to be Motorola's upcoming on-device AI assistant. It is expected to offer features such as photo editing, real-time translation, text summarisation, and AI-powered search tools.

While specifications and pricing remain unknown, the Edge 70 Max appears positioned above the current Edge Pro models. If the leak is accurate, this could be the Motorola phone to wait for if you're looking for flagship-level performance, flat design, and a more camera-focused experience without stepping into ultra-premium pricing territory. If you own an older Edge series, this might be a significant upgrade, especially for the chipset. 

[highlights]

• Meta has appointed Kunal Shah, founder of Cred, as the new global head of WhatsApp.
• Cred's operational responsibilities will transition to Miten Sampat.
• Shah said that Meta is joining Cred as a minority investor and will have no access to member data.

[/highlights]

In an interesting swap deal of sorts, Meta has appointed Cred founder Kunal Shah as the new global head of WhatsApp, alongside investing around USD 900 million (roughly Rs 8,550 crore) in his Indian fintech startup at a reported valuation of USD 4.5 billion. Shah will replace outgoing chief Will Cathcart, relocating from Bengaluru to San Francisco as part of the transition. Meanwhile, Cred's day-to-day operations will be overseen by Miten Sampat, currently the company's second-in-command.

Who is Kunal Shah, the new global WhatsApp head?

Shah is among India's most recognisable startup founders. Before launching Cred in 2018, he founded digital payments platform Freecharge, which was acquired in one of India's early fintech exits. Over the past eight years, Cred has expanded beyond credit card bill payments into more digital financial services. The company says it now serves around 1.7 crore members and generates roughly Rs 3,200 crore in annual revenue.

Beyond his operating roles, Shah is also known as an active angel investor, backing multiple startups across sectors including CoinSwitch, Unacademy, RazorPay and Shiprocket.

What happens to your Cred data after Meta's investment?

The announcement is likely to raise questions among Cred users about what Meta's investment means for their data. In a statement shared on Instagram, Shah clarified, "Meta comes in as a minority investor. No access to member data." That means Cred user information will not automatically become available to Meta's platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook or Instagram, as a result of the investment. Neither company has announced any data-sharing arrangement or changes to existing privacy policies.

The investment is nevertheless strategically interesting. Meta has been steadily expanding WhatsApp's role beyond messaging into payments, business tools and commerce, while Cred has built a sizeable presence across financial services. Although no integration plans have been announced, the deal gives Meta a closer relationship with one of India's largest consumer fintech brands.

[highlights]

• Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy M47 5G will launch in India on June 29th, through the Amazon microsite.
• The smartphone will feature a Snapdragon processor and come with support for six Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates.
• The Galaxy M47 price range is still unknown.

[/highlights]

Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy M47 5G will launch in India on June 29th. The company announced the launch date through an Amazon microsite, which also reveals some specifications ahead of the smartphone's debut in the country.

While the Galaxy M44 was unveiled in select global markets nearly three years ago, it never made its way to India. The Galaxy M47 5G is now set to bring the M4x series back with notable upgrades in the competitive mid-range segment.

Samsung Galaxy M47 5G key specifications

Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy M47 5G will be powered by a Snapdragon processor paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. While the exact chipset remains unknown, the company is positioning the phone as a capable option for gaming, multitasking and long-term use. The Galaxy M47 5G will also support 45W fast charging and bypass charging, a feature that directs power to the device during gaming sessions instead of continuously charging the battery, helping reduce heat buildup. Samsung has not yet revealed the battery capacity.

One of the biggest highlights as usual is Samsung's software commitment. The Galaxy M47 5G will receive six generations of Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates, putting it ahead of many rivals in the segment when it comes to long-term support.

The phone features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection. Samsung claims the display is designed to remain visible even under bright outdoor conditions while offering smooth scrolling and gaming performance.

For photography, the smartphone packs a 50MP primary camera with OIS, accompanied by a 5MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro sensor. Selfies and video calls will be handled by a 12MP front camera. Samsung has also confirmed 4K video recording support on both the front and rear cameras.

The Galaxy M47 5G will be available in Rogue Red and Blaze Blue colour options.

Samsung's fresh focus in the mid-range segment comes when competition in the market is intensifying. Brands such as Redmi, Realme, iQOO and POCO have been aggressively targeting buyers with smooth displays and large batteries at competitive prices. The M-series has traditionally focused on battery life and reliability, but the Galaxy M47 5G appears to be broadening its appeal with premium display protection, longer software support and gaming-focused features. The Galaxy F70 Pro is also expected to launch soon, so the brand seems to be getting aggressive with its launches.

Pricing remains unknown for now, but it will play a crucial role in determining the phone's success. Buyers looking for a mid-range device may want to wait for the official launch, which is right around the corner now.

[highlights]

• Nothing Phone (4b) has been officially teased.
• It's slated to launch in India next month.
• This would be a new budget series from Nothing. 

[/highlights]

Nothing is set to expand its smartphone portfolio in India with the launch of the Phone (4b). The company has officially teased the launch date on X with a teaser image showing different designs of their lineup. The Phone (4b) will mark the debut of Nothing's new b-series, which is expected to sit below the existing a-series lineup.

Nothing Phone (4b) India launch date

Nothing Phone (4b) is launching in India on July 7th. The launch event is scheduled to take place at 3:30 pm.

Phone (4b).
Kept sketching the Phone (4a) series and accidentally made a new phone.

7 July, 3:30 PM. pic.twitter.com/pHqspOmgKH

— Nothing India (@nothingindia) June 23, 2026

Nothing Phone (4b): what to expect

The launch follows recent comments from Nothing co-founder Akis Evangelidis, who explained the company's revised naming strategy. According to him, numbers indicate product generations, while letters define product segments. He also confirmed that the a-series will continue as Nothing's most premium lineup below its flagship phones, while the b-series is being introduced to target a different audience.

Nothing has already teased the Phone (4b), and a recently shared sketch video revealed parts of its design. It looks like the phone will retain the company's signature transparent rear panel but may feature a single rear camera. While this hints at affordability, it may not sit well with buyers, as even budget phones offer a dual camera setup. 

The new lineup arrives as Nothing streamlines its portfolio. Evangelidis also indicated that the "Lite" branding, first seen with the Phone 3a Lite, will be retired going forward.

While official specifications remain under wraps, the Phone (4b) will most likely sit below the Phone (4a) series, which starts at Rs 37,999 in India. The new model should arrive at a lower price point. However, buyers shouldn't expect an ultra-budget device, as rising memory and component costs continue to push smartphone prices upward across the industry.

The upcoming Nothing Phone (4b) could become an interesting option if it brings Nothing's distinctive design and clean software experience to a more accessible price segment. Those considering the Phone (4a) may want to wait a couple of weeks to see how much they would be saving by opting for the new b-series model.