• Plaud has launched in India with two AI recording devices, the Note Pro and the NotePin S
• Both devices transcribe and summarise conversations, with support for over 112 languages, including Hindi, Tamil, and Bengali
• The Note Pro is priced at Rs 20,990, while the NotePin S costs Rs 19,990

[/highlights]

Plaud, the company behind a line of AI-powered recording devices built for professionals, has launched in India with two products, the Plaud Note Pro and the Plaud NotePin S. The idea behind these products are simple, instead of choosing between actually participating in a meeting and trying to take notes during it, these devices capture the conversation, then use AI to turn it into transcripts, summaries, and action items afterward. Plaud says it already has over 2.5 million users across 170-plus countries, and India is its latest market.

Price and availability

The Plaud Note Pro is priced at Rs 20,990, while the Plaud NotePin S costs Rs 19,990. Both are available in India through Amazon, Blinkit, and Plaud's own website.

What are the Note Pro and NotePin S

The Note Pro is Plaud's flagship device, credit card-sized and built with four microphones and noise-filtering meant to keep capture clear even in real-world settings like a busy office or a coffee shop. It also has a visible capture status indicator, so people around you can tell when it's recording. The device picked up both an iF Design Award and a Red Dot Design Award in 2026.

[caption id="attachment_712719" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Plaud Note Pro[/caption]

The NotePin S is the more wearable of the two, designed to be worn as a necklace, clip, wristband, or pin, and built for people who move around a lot during their workday. Think site visits, interviews, or back-to-back meetings in different rooms. It starts recording with a single press, prioritising quick, low-friction capture over the Note Pro's more deliberate desk-and-meeting-room use case.

Plaud Intelligence and language support

Both devices run on Plaud Intelligence, the company's AI engine that turns raw recordings into transcripts, structured summaries, key insights, and follow-up actions. Given how much of a professional conversation in India moves between English, Hindi, and regional languages, sometimes within the same sentence, Plaud says its AI supports over 112 languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Punjabi, Telugu, Bengali, Kannada, Assamese, Gujarati, and Malayalam.

The pitch here ties back to a genuine pain point. Plaud cited a Jabra report showing Indian employees spent an average of 8.8 hours a week in meetings in 2026, with 66 percent saying they walked away without clear action items. Plaud's Megumi Yoshinaga, Head of APAC Marketing, said the goal is to help professionals "stay present in the moment" rather than split their attention between listening and documenting.

[caption id="attachment_712718" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Plaud NotePin S[/caption]

Privacy and data control

Regarding privacy, Plaud says captured content remains under the user's control, allowing the user to review, edit, search, share, export, or delete recordings at any time. Data is encrypted, and the company says it does not use customer content to train its AI models without explicit consent.

The AI recording device category is still fairly new territory in India, and Plaud's pitch leans heavily on a problem most working professionals will recognise: meetings that produce a lot of talk and very few clear takeaways. Whether that's worth over Rs 20,000 for a dedicated device, when a phone's own voice recorder and a general-purpose AI assistant can do a rough version of the same job, is the real question for prospective buyers. The stronger case is likely the Note Pro and NotePin S's purpose-built hardware, multi-mic capture, wearable form factors, and Plaud's language support tuned specifically for how conversations actually happen in India, rather than treating this as a bolt-on feature.

I will be reviewing the Plaud Note Pro to gain a deeper understanding of how well the AI recording device works in the Indian market. Stay tuned to learn more about Plaud's newest products.

• Haier has launched its MiniLED M70 Series in India with screen sizes ranging from 43 to 85 inches.
• The TVs feature MiniLED display technology, a 50W 2.1-channel audio system and gaming features such as 120Hz, VRR and ALLM.
• Prices start at Rs 39,190 for the 43-inch model and go up to Rs 1,69,990 for the 85-inch variant.

[/highlights]

Haier has launched its new MiniLED M70 Series in India, expanding its premium TV lineup with a focus on picture quality, immersive audio and gaming. The series combines MiniLED technology with Micro Dimming and Haier's AI Picture Quality engine to improve the way the TV handles brightness, contrast, colours and motion. Let's take a deeper look at the technology and products below.

Haier MiniLED M70 series: price, availability

The Haier MiniLED M70 Series is available in five screen sizes, ranging from 43 inches to 85 inches. Prices start at Rs 39,190 for the 43-inch model and go up to Rs 1,69,990 for the 85-inch variant. The range is available across leading retail stores in India and comes with a three-year warranty.

Haier MiniLED M70 series: features, specifications

MiniLED uses a large number of smaller LEDs behind the screen, allowing the TV to control different areas of the backlight more precisely. Put simply, this helps the M70 Series produce deeper blacks alongside brighter highlights, while Micro Dimming further adjusts different parts of the picture based on what is being shown.

Haier's AI Picture Quality engine then analyses content in real time to improve colour, contrast, motion and clarity. The TV also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for compatible content.

For colour reproduction, the M70 Series offers up to 93 percent DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage. This means the TV can display a wider range of colours, which should make movies, sports and other content appear richer and more vibrant.

The TV also puts considerable focus on audio. It comes with a 50W 2.1-channel speaker system with an integrated subwoofer, designed to deliver stronger bass and clearer dialogue. Dolby Atmos is supported as well, while Haier's Total Sonics technology is designed to further tune the overall sound output.

The TVs support Gaming 120Hz, VRR and ALLM, along with MEMC and a dedicated Gaming Bar. These features are designed to make fast-moving games smoother, reducing screen tearing and lowering input lag. The Gaming Bar also gives users quick access to settings and features such as Shadow Enhancement and Crosshair Assist.

On the smart TV front, the M70 Series runs on Google TV and supports Google Gemini for voice-based interactions. Users can search for content, open apps and control aspects of the TV using voice commands. The TVs also support HaiCast for screen mirroring from compatible devices and can be used as Bluetooth speakers even when the display is switched off.

Should you buy the Haier MiniLED M70 Series?

The Haier MiniLED M70 Series makes a good case for users looking for a versatile TV that can handle movies, sports and gaming. The MiniLED panel should offer better contrast and brightness, while features such as Gaming 120Hz, VRR and ALLM make it a capable option for gamers as well. The 50W 2.1-channel speaker system with an integrated subwoofer also adds to the overall package.

There are alternatives such as the Lumio Vision 7, which offer QLED panels at lower prices. However, the M70's MiniLED panel and gaming-focused features give it an advantage for users who want a more versatile TV. The multiple screen sizes also make it easier to pick a model based on room size and budget, which is important for a product most users tend to keep for several years.

• Vivo has confirmed the X500, X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max will launch in China in September.
• The X500 Pro models are tipped to bring a new 50MP main sensor, 4K 240fps slow-motion and 4K 120fps HDR video.
• The X500 series could retain Vivo's 200MP periscope telephoto camera from the X300 Ultra.

[/highlights]

Vivo has confirmed that its next flagship smartphone lineup will launch in China in September. The Vivo X500 series will include the X500, X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max, with the company promising significant improvements to photography and video recording. The announcement comes as premium smartphone makers struggle to differentiate phones at a cost advantage as the industry grapples with the memory components' price crisis.

Vivo X500 series camera upgrades

Vivo says (via) the X500 Pro models will get a new ZEISS Super Dynamic main camera developed by its BluePrint imaging team and Sony. It uses a 50MP BluePrint Guangyu 900 sensor measuring 1/1.28 inches. The sensor is claimed to capture up to 17 stops of dynamic range. Put simply, this refers to how much detail a camera can retain between the brightest and darkest parts of a scene. A wider range can help preserve details in areas such as a bright sky while keeping darker parts of the image from becoming completely black. The 17-stop figure is Vivo's claim, so its significance will need to be judged through real-world testing.

The company is extending this capability to video, with the X500 Pro series supporting 4K recording at 240fps for slow-motion footage and 4K 120fps HDR video with direct HDR output. The main camera will also offer 3-degree optical image stabilisation, while CIPA 7.0 professional stabilisation is part of the system. Vivo has specifically highlighted the 3-degree OIS for the Pro Max.

Tipster Digital Chat Station claims the X500 series is internally codenamed "Thanos 500" and could use the 200MP HP0 periscope telephoto camera found on the Vivo X300 Ultra. Vivo hasn't confirmed the telephoto hardware, so this remains a leak.

If it carries over, the large-format telephoto sensor would give the Pro models a strong zoom capability alongside the new main camera. That would keep Vivo competitive with camera-oriented flagships from Samsung and Xiaomi, although the overall camera experience will depend on processing and consistency between lenses.

Compared with the X300 series, Vivo appears to be putting more emphasis on how its cameras handle video rather than simply adding higher-resolution hardware. The Vivo X300 Pro already offered a 50MP main camera and a 200MP telephoto, while the X300 Ultra went further with its 200MP main and telephoto cameras. The X500 Pro's new main sensor looks less like a straightforward megapixel upgrade and more like an attempt to improve dynamic range, stabilisation and high-frame-rate video. That could make the new generation an upgrade for people who shoot a lot of video, provided Vivo's claimed improvements translate into real-world results.

For buyers, the X500 series will be worth watching if camera and video performance are priorities. However, the 17-stop claim and high frame-rate recording do not by themselves guarantee better results than competing flagships. Pricing, chipset performance, battery life and independent camera tests will be important once the phones launch.

• The Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G is positioned above the Virat V1 5G, though its powered by the same Unisoc T8200 chipset.
• The phone offers 6GB RAM and 128GB of storage under Rs 20,000
• The Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G will be available starting August 31st on Flipkart.

[/highlights]

Exactly one month after the release of the brand-new Virat series, comprising the Virat V1 and Virat V1 5G, Lava has introduced another member to this lineup, the Virat V1 Pro 5G. Positioned above the Virat V1 5G, the smartphone brings an improved primary camera and faster charging, while retaining the same 5G-enabled Unisoc T8200 processor, sizeable 6,000mAh battery, and an IP64 rating for protection against dust and water.

Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G price, sale date, availability

The Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G will retail in India for Rs 15,999 on Flipkart starting August 31st at 12 PM (IST). The handset will be available in a single memory configuration, featuring 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The colourways include Sikkim Midnight and Spiti Frost.

As part of the special launch offer, interested buyers can avail an instant Rs 2,000 discount using a credit card of their choice, bringing the price down to Rs 13,999. Lava also notes that the smartphone will be available through the company's retail network as the Lava Shark 2 Pro 5G.

Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G specifications and features

Coming to the specifications on offer, the Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G gets a 6.74-inch HD+ display with LCD technology and up to 120Hz refresh rate. Having experienced the Virat V1 5G (review), the entire UI should support 120Hz for smooth day-to-day operations. The panel reaches 550 nits at maximum brightness.

Powered by the Unisoc T8200, Lava claims the handset scores over 5,00,000 on the AnTuTu benchmark, which should be ideal for casual to moderate use cases, such as chatting on WhatsApp, watching videos, and playing light games. The 128GB of onboard storage is expandable up to 1TB with a microSD card, while the phone also supports RAM boost of up to 6GB.

[caption id="attachment_712675" align="alignnone" width="1474"] Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G in Sikkim Midnight and Spiti Frost[/caption]

For the optics, the Lava Virat V1 Pro gets a 50MP primary shooter, whereas the Virat V1 5G featured a 13MP unit. Similarly, the front camera also sees an upgrade from 5MP to 8MP, which should hopefully yield slightly better results. Both cameras can record video at up to 2K resolution at 30 FPS and support Dual-View Video to capture front and rear perspectives simultaneously.

Once again, as with most releases from Lava, the Virat V1 Pro 5G features a bloatware-free UI and runs on Android 16 out of the box, with a promise of Android 17 and two years of security patch updates. Running the show is a 6,000mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging.

Some additional features of the Virat V1 Pro 5G include a 3.5mm headphone jack, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and a hybrid SIM card slot that supports dual SIMs or a single SIM with an microSD card. Apart from that, the phone falls under Lava's free home service scheme, which allows users to have issues with their smartphone fixed in the comfort of their home.

Should you consider buying the Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G?

While we're yet to test the Lava Shark V1 Pro 5G to provide a concrete judgement, the smartphone features identical specifications to the Virat V1 Pro 5G, which is priced Rs 3,000 higher, at least for now. For the additional charge, the V1 Pro 5G offers an extra 2GB of RAM and double the storage at 128GB.

In fact, the Virat V1 Pro 5G is among the only few smartphones under Rs 20,000 to offer a 6GB RAM and 128GB storage combo, since the likes of Realme C83, iQOO Z11 Lite, and Tecno Spark 50 5G are not only priced higher, but also feature just 4GB RAM in their base variant. Having more RAM on a smartphone yields more consistent performance over time, and the Lava phone could excel over others.

The Unisoc T8200 chipset should deliver suitable performance for daily tasks, while the 6,000mAh battery may offer sufficient endurance for a day. That said, if you're seeking a 5G phone under Rs 20,000 with a clean software experience and ample storage, the Virat V1 Pro 5G is worth your consideration.

• Vivo V80 Lite 5G has launched in Pakistan with a 7,050mAh battery, 120Hz curved AMOLED display and Dimensity 7360-Turbo chipset.
• A different Malaysian variant will launch on September 3rd with a 10,000mAh battery and 100W charging.
• Vivo hasn't confirmed an India launch for either version yet.

[/highlights]

Vivo has launched the Vivo V80 Lite 5G in Pakistan with a 7,050mAh battery, but the same name will reportedly be used for a different model in Malaysia with a 10,000mAh cell. The regional variations make the V80 Lite lineup interesting, as Vivo appears to be tailoring the phone's hardware for different markets.

The Pakistan model combines a curved AMOLED display with a Dimensity 7360-Turbo chipset and dual rear cameras much like the Vivo S2, while the Malaysian version will get a flatter design and is confirmed to launch on September 3rd with Vivo's first 10,000mAh battery in a globally launched smartphone.

Vivo V80 Lite specifications

The Pakistan Vivo V80 Lite 5G has a 6.83-inch 1.5K curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 449ppi density and up to 3,000 nits peak brightness. It runs OriginOS 6 based on Android 16 and includes stereo speakers and an in-display fingerprint sensor. The phone is powered by the 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 7360-Turbo, paired with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. Its rear cameras include a 50MP Sony IMX852 main sensor and a 2MP bokeh camera, while a 32MP camera handles selfies.

The 7,050mAh battery supports 44W charging and bypass charging. The phone also has IP68 and IP69 ratings, five MIL-STD-810H certifications and drop testing across seven surfaces.

The Malaysian V80 Lite, meanwhile, has been confirmed to come with a 10,000mAh battery with 100W charging, along with a flat frame and rear panel. It will be offered in black, green and pink, with a square camera module housing a 50MP primary sensor.

High-capacity batteries are becoming quite common in the mid-range segment. Realme and Honor have already introduced 10,000mAh phones, while Redmi is expected to follow with the Note 17 Pro Max. Silicon-carbon battery technology is helping manufacturers increase capacity without requiring a proportional increase in size.

Price

The Vivo V80 Lite 5G costs PKR 1,24,999 (around Rs 43,000) for the 8GB + 128GB variant in Pakistan, while the 8GB + 256GB model is priced at PKR 1,45,999 (around Rs 50,300). The Pakistan model shares much of its hardware with the Vivo S2 5G, which starts at around Rs 39,999 in India. Both phones use the Dimensity 7360-Turbo chipset, have a 7,050mAh battery with 44W charging and carry IP68/IP69 protection.

That suggests Vivo may be reusing the S2 hardware under the V80 Lite name in some markets, as certification listings showed the two to bear the same model number in a few regions. However, it's not yet clear whether the Pakistan model, Malaysian model or another configuration will eventually be introduced in India.

For Indian buyers, the Malaysian version is the more interesting one to watch if it arrives. A 10,000mAh battery could offer excellent endurance, but the phone's weight, thickness and charging performance will matter just as much. If you're in Pakistan and prioritise long battery life and a premium display in the mid-range, the V80 Lite 5G is a strong contender.

• Motorola is planning to increase the prices of the Edge 70 Fusion and Edge 60 Fusion by up to Rs 3,000 in India.
• The Edge 70 Fusion will start at Rs 33,999, while the Edge 60 Fusion 12GB + 256GB variant will cost Rs 32,999.

[/highlights]

Motorola is reportedly preparing to increase the prices of multiple smartphones in India, with some models set to become up to Rs 3,000 more expensive. The hike affects the Edge 70 Fusion and Edge 60 Fusion and changes how competitive both phones are in their respective segments. Let's check it out below:

Motorola Edge 60 & 70 fusion will cost Rs 3,000 more

According to a post shared by tipster Sanju Choudhary on X, Motorola is set to increase the prices of the Edge 70 Fusion and Edge 60 Fusion in India by up to Rs 3,000. The revision affects all four variants of the Edge 70 Fusion, while only the 12GB + 256GB version of the Edge 60 Fusion has received the hike. The new prices will go into effect from August 25, 2026.

The Edge 70 Fusion (review) now starts at Rs 33,999, while its top-end 12GB + 512GB variant has crossed the Rs 40,000 mark at Rs 40,999. The Edge 60 Fusion (review) 12GB + 256GB variant, meanwhile, is now priced at Rs 32,999.

Price hike alert 🚨
Motorola to increase the prices of their smartphones by upto ₹3k:

Edge 70 Fusion:
8/128GB: ₹30,999 → ₹33,999
8/256GB: ₹32,999 → ₹35,999
12/256GB: ₹34,999 → ₹37,999
12/512GB: ₹37,999 → ₹40,999

Edge 60 Fusion:
12/256GB: ₹29,999 → ₹32,999

At… pic.twitter.com/xbUTmZRDUv

— Sanju Choudhary (@saaaanjjjuuu) August 24, 2026

This is not the first time Motorola has revised the pricing of its smartphones in India. The brand had also increased prices of the Edge 60 Fusion and several Moto G-series models earlier this year, as smartphone makers continue to adjust prices amid rising component and memory costs.

The latest hike also changes the positioning of the Edge 70 Fusion quite significantly. The phone previously started at just above Rs 30,000, but its new entry price pushes it further into the mid-range segment, where buyers have other alternatives to consider.

Should you still buy the Motorola Fusion series?

Both the Edge 70 Fusion (review) and Edge 60 Fusion have been great all-rounders in their respective price segments, but the latest hike changes their value ever so slightly. The base Edge 70 Fusion variant now sits right at the edge of the Rs 30,000 segment but still offers a very capable processor, versatile camera system and stylish design. These qualities make it a good option for users looking for a well-rounded smartphone without having to compromise too much.

The Edge 60 Fusion (review) follows a similar formula and could make more sense for users who are less concerned about having the latest software. It has a shorter software support window remaining, but the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration gives it a more robust hardware package at its current price. If your priority lies in higher memory and storage over longer software support, the Edge 60 Fusion remains an option worth considering.

Q1. AI is driving rapid growth in data creation and retention. How is this changing the role of high-capacity hard drives within modern data centre architecture?

AI is creating and using enormous volumes of data, but the bigger shift is that more of this data needs to be stored, remain accessible and be reused over longer periods because its future value may not yet be known. As AI adoption grows and retention increases, data centres are under greater pressure to store more information efficiently and at scale.

This is making high-capacity hard drives an increasingly important part of modern data centre architecture. They provide the scale and economics needed to manage growing datasets efficiently. Today, more than 80% of exabytes in large data centres are stored on hard drives, reflecting their continued importance across AI and cloud environments.

Flash is essential where speed and responsiveness are critical, while hard drives provide the high capacity needed to store large volumes of data cost-effectively.

As AI becomes more widely used, data centres will increasingly rely on both technologies working together, balancing performance, capacity and cost depending on how the data is being used.

Q2. As organisations retain more data for AI workloads, how are advances such as HAMR helping the storage industry address growing capacity requirements efficiently and sustainably?

As AI adoption grows, data centres need to increase storage capacity without increasing their physical footprint, power use and infrastructure costs at the same pace.

Technologies such as Seagate's heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) help address this by increasing areal density, allowing more data to be stored on each disk in a hard drive. Our Mozaic platform uses HAMR to increase capacity within the same standard drive form factor, helping data centres store more data using fewer drives and less supporting infrastructure.

The impact becomes significant on scale.  In a modelled one-exabyte deployment, Seagate's latest Mozaic technology delivers approximately a 47% improvement in infrastructure efficiency compared with standard 30TB drives. This translates to roughly 100 square feet less data centre footprint and about 0.8 million kilowatt-hours lower annual energy consumption.

Q3. Seagate has demonstrated an NVMe HDD proof of concept incorporating NVIDIA BlueField DPUs. What could a more unified storage interface mean for the design and management of future AI infrastructure?

AI infrastructure increasingly relies on both SSDs and high-capacity hard drives, but these technologies have traditionally used different interfaces and supporting systems. Bringing them onto a common NVMe interface could make storage infrastructure simpler to design and manage.

Seagate's NVMe HDD proof of concept shows how hard drives and SSDs could work within a unified architecture. This could reduce the need for separate adapters and software layers, while streamlining connectivity and making it easier for data centres to manage different types of storage together.

For AI infrastructure, the potential benefit is a simpler and more flexible approach to storage. Organisations could combine the speed of SSDs with the capacity and cost advantages of hard drives within a more unified storage environment. NVMe-over-Fabrics could also support this approach across distributed storage environments, helping organisations scale their storage architecture as AI data requirements grow.

Q4. As game libraries continue to grow, what role can high-capacity HDDs play alongside SSDs in helping gamers balance capacity, performance and cost?

As games become richer and more complex, storage requirements are growing alongside them. Modern games can range from 20GB to over 100GB, while updates and downloadable content add further pressure on available space.

HDDs and SSDs can serve different needs within a gaming setup. SSDs provide faster speeds and shorter load times, making them well suited to games where performance is a priority. High-capacity hard drives offer a cost-effective way to store larger game libraries and archived content.

For India's growing gaming community, using both can provide greater flexibility. It allows gamers to prioritise speed for the games they play often while maintaining enough capacity for an expanding library, without constantly having to delete and redownload large titles.

Q5. As cloud gaming and distributed computing grow, what storage requirements will become increasingly important for the infrastructure supporting these services?

Cloud gaming places more of the computing and storage behind the gaming experience in data centres and distributed infrastructure. As these services grow and scale to more users and locations, infrastructure providers will need storage architectures that can expand efficiently while keeping large game libraries available and accessible where and when they are needed.

Different storage technologies can play complementary roles. SSDs are well suited to applications and workloads that require rapid access and low latency, while high-capacity hard drives provide the scale and economics to store and manage large volumes of data. Using both allows infrastructure providers to balance performance, capacity, and cost according to the workload.

Q6. How is Seagate evolving its gaming storage portfolio to meet consumers' growing need to manage increasingly large game libraries?

Gaming today involves much more than the game itself. Larger game libraries, captured gameplay and streaming content are driving greater storage needs. Gamers want the flexibility to expand capacity and stay in control of their data without compromising performance or having to constantly delete content.

Seagate's gaming portfolio spans HDDs and SSDs across PC, PlayStation and Xbox, giving gamers a range of options based on their platform, library size and performance needs.

High-capacity external hard drives provide a cost-effective way to retain larger game libraries, while SSDs offer faster speeds and shorter load times for gamers who prioritise performance. Seagate also offers platform-specific storage solutions designed for PlayStation and Xbox.

This flexibility is particularly relevant in markets such as India, where growing gaming communities, larger game downloads and the need for affordable storage expansion are changing how gamers manage their libraries. Ultimately, the focus is on giving gamers more choice as their storage requirements grow.

Q7. Can you shed light on Seagate's console portfolio of storage options for PlayStation and Xbox gamers looking to hold on to their downloaded library?

For console gamers, Seagate offers officially licensed storage solutions designed specifically for PlayStation and Xbox platforms, giving players more flexibility to expand capacity and hold on to growing game libraries.

For PlayStation, Seagate offers external Game Drives for PS4 and PS5, alongside the internal Game Drive PS5 NVMe SSD.  These solutions give gamers more room for their libraries while supporting different needs, from added capacity to faster performance.

For Xbox, Seagate offers external Game Drives and Game Drive Hubs. Xbox Series X|S games can be stored on these external drives, while Xbox One and compatible legacy titles can be played directly from them. These options help gamers expand their libraries and reduce the need to repeatedly delete and redownload large games.

• Redmi Note 17 Pro and Note 17 Pro Max haven't been teased to launch in India yet.
• The Redmi Note 17 Pro is expected to have a 9,000mAh battery, while the Pro Max could pack a 10,000mAh cell.
• The new phones could cost Rs 5,000 - Rs 8,000 more than the Redmi Note 15 Pro series.

[/highlights]

Redmi could bring two new Note-series Pro phones to India on September 15th, with the Redmi Note 17 Pro and Note 17 Pro Max expected to launch in the country with batteries up to 10,000mAh. The launch date comes from tipster Yogesh Brar, who also claims the new models could cost Rs 5,000 - Rs 8,000 more than their Redmi Note 15 Pro series counterparts.

The timing puts the phones in the middle of a busy September, when Apple's iPhone 18 series is also expected to draw attention. Redmi hasn't officially announced the India launch yet, neither have they started teasing the phone.

Redmi Note 17 Pro, Pro Max India price

According to Brar, the Redmi Note 17 Pro and Pro Max will launch in India on September 15th. The Note 17 Pro has already launched in China, starting at CNY 1,599 (around Rs 23,000), while the Pro Max is yet to launch in China and will make its global debut in Malaysia on August 27th. The Redmi Note 17 already launched in India in August.

A Rs 5,000 - Rs 8,000 increase, as tipped, over the previous generation would put the new phones above the Redmi Note 15 Pro, which launched at Rs 31,999, and Note 15 Pro+, which started at Rs 37,999. That could push the Note 17 Pro Max into a price bracket with the likes of the OnePlus Nord 6, Nothing Phone (4a) and Vivo V70 FE. Notably the Note Pro models would typically start under Rs 25,000 in earlier generations but that value proposition seems to have been long left behind.

The price increase comes as smartphone brands deal with higher memory and component costs. However, there is no confirmation that these factors are directly responsible for Redmi's expected pricing.

Specifications

The Redmi Note 17 Pro that has launched in China has a 6.83-inch 1.5K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3,500 nits brightness. It's powered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 and packs a 9,000mAh battery with 67W charging. Other reported specifications include up to 12GB RAM, 512GB storage and a 50MP main camera. The phone also has IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings.

The Note 17 Pro Max moves to a 10,000mAh battery with 100W charging, while retaining a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display. It's powered by the newer Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 and can reportedly be configured with up to 12GB RAM. The phone is also expected to have a 50MP primary camera and up to IP69K protection.

On paper, the battery upgrade is substantial compared with the Note 15 Pro and Pro+, made possible by the advent of Si-C tech in the industry. The previous Pro models offered 6,580mAh and 6,500mAh batteries respectively, while the Pro+ paired its battery with 100W charging and a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset. The processor choice on the Pro Max will need closer scrutiny, though. Despite being newer, Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 sits below Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7 family, while the Note 15 Pro+ used Snapdragon 7s Gen 4. Buyers upgrading for performance should therefore wait for benchmarks rather than assume the newer model is automatically faster.

The large batteries and displays could make the Note 17 Pro models attractive for users who prioritise endurance and media consumption. But with a potential Rs 5,000 - Rs 8,000 price increase, buyers should compare real-world performance, charging speeds and cameras against rivals before choosing the new Redmi phones.

• The Redmi Note 15 gets another price hike in India, with prices now starting at Rs 28,999.
• The phone offers an AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset and 108MP primary camera under Rs 30,000.

[/highlights]

The Redmi Note 15 (review) has received another price revision in India, making the smartphone more expensive than it was just a few weeks ago. Here's what the new pricing looks like and whether the Redmi Note 15 still makes sense at its current price. 

Redmi Note 15 price increased by Rs 2,000

The Redmi Note 15 has received a price hike in India, with its current online listing showing the 8GB + 128GB variant at Rs 28,999, up from Rs 26,999 previously. The 8GB + 256GB variant has also moved from Rs 29,999 to Rs 31,999.

There was also a recent tweet by tipset Sanju Chaudhary, claiming a Rs 3,000 hike for the Redmi Note 15. However, unlike the previous price revision reported through retailer communication, the latest post is a simple text update without any concrete proof to back up the figure. The current online listings, therefore, suggest an Rs 2,000 increase for both variants.

The Redmi Note 15 originally launched in India at Rs 22,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant, which means the same configuration is now Rs 6,000 more expensive than it was at launch. The 8GB + 256GB variant has similarly gone from Rs 24,999 at launch to Rs 31,999 now.

Recurring price revisions for older smartphone models have become increasingly common across the industry as brands deal with rising memory component costs. Rather than increasing prices only on new launches, brands appear to be revising the prices of existing models as well, particularly in the affordable and mid-range segments where higher memory costs have a greater impact on margins.

Should you buy the Redmi Note 15?

The Redmi Note 15 (review) is not alone in getting more expensive, with multiple smartphones now selling at considerably higher prices than they did earlier. Despite that, the Note 15 continues to offer a fairly balanced package for its current price. It happens to be among the few phones under Rs 30,000 to offer an AMOLED display, while the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset and large 108MP primary sensor give it enough capability for regular users who do not need the best specifications in every department.

The phone is also relatively thin and light for what it offers, which adds to its appeal as an everyday device. The curved display could be a drawback for some users, particularly those who prefer flat panels, although that is largely a matter of personal preference. Given the current market conditions, the Redmi Note 15 still makes sense for buyers looking for a balanced smartphone.

• The iPhone Ultra has impressed early testers with its design, hinge and software experience.
• The foldable is tipped to feature a 5.5-inch outer display, roughly 7.8-inch inner display and dual 48MP rear cameras, but no telephoto lens.
• The iPhone Ultra could launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series around September 9th, with a reported starting price of at least USD 2,000.

[/highlights]

Apple's first foldable iPhone is reportedly impressing people who have had an early look at the device, particularly with its design, hinge and software experience. The camera setup, however, could be a glaring weakness for a phone expected to cost at least USD 2,000 (around Rs 1.9 lakh). According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the device, referred to as the iPhone Ultra, has received positive feedback from early testers.

Apple is expected to unveil it alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max around September 9th.

iPhone Ultra early reviews

Gurman, in his latest edition of the Power On newsletter, says people who have used the foldable have been impressed by how it feels in the hand and "how it fits in the pocket." The hinge has also reportedly received positive feedback, with testers praising its feel and durability.

The software is another area where Apple is expected to make use of the larger inner screen. Gurman says the iPhone Ultra could offer iPad-like app layouts and multitasking, making the foldable better suited to productivity, gaming and watching videos than a conventional iPhone.

The device is expected to use a book-style design similar to the recently launched Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, with a 5.5-inch outer display and a roughly 7.8-inch inner screen. That means Apple's approach is unlikely to be radically different from the established foldable format, although its software integration could become a key differentiator. Other reported specifications include an A20 Pro chip, dual 48MP rear cameras and a body measuring roughly 9.4 mm when folded. When opened, the phone is tipped to be around 4.5 mm thick.

Missing telephoto camera could be a problem

The iPhone Ultra is reportedly expected to have just two rear cameras, consisting of a main sensor and an ultrawide. That means there would be no dedicated telephoto camera, despite the phone's expected price. The omission could matter when compared with conventional flagship iPhones, which have offered dedicated telephoto cameras for years, and with foldables competing at similar prices. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 also uses a triple-camera setup with a telephoto lens.

Gurman says the iPhone Ultra's large inner display could itself improve the camera experience by doubling as a viewfinder, making it easier to frame photos and videos. But a larger preview cannot replace the optical reach of a telephoto camera.

Previous reports have suggested that the foldable could cost "at least USD 2,000, if not more." That would put it well above most conventional smartphones and make its hardware compromises more noticeable. For buyers considering Apple's first foldable, the larger screen and iOS experience may be the biggest draw, while the missing telephoto camera could be a reason to stick with a Pro iPhone instead.

The iPhone Ultra is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series in the coming days. Buyers with a massive budget looking for a foldable may wait it out, although the telephoto omission could pinch at the price.

• The budget-centric Vivo T-series smartphones are tipped to receive a price hike.
• Both Vivo T5 Lite and T4 Lite prices are likely to be increased by Rs 4,000 and Rs 3,000, respectively.
• The Vivo T5x could start retailing in India at Rs 29,999 instead of its previous MOP of Rs 24,999.

[/highlights]

Vivo has reportedly issued a circular to "All Authorised Channel Partners" in India announcing a price hike for select models in its affordable T-series lineup. The affected models reportedly include the Vivo T5x, Vivo T5 Lite, and Vivo T4 Lite, with prices set to increase by up to Rs 5,000. According to a copy of the circular shared by tipster Sanju Chaudhary on X, Vivo has attributed the price revision to the "continued increase in input costs and operational expenses".

Vivo T5x, T5 Lite, and T4 Lite new price

The circular states that the revised prices will be effective from August 23rd. However, at the time of writing, the affected models are still listed at their existing prices on Vivo's official website. There hasn't been any clarification from Vivo since the tipster post, so the price revision could be for the offline market as of now. The tipster has also warned of a Vivo V-series price hike in India soon.

[caption id="attachment_712598" align="aligncenter" width="1858"] Vivo T-series price in India (as of August 24th)[/caption]

Vivo T5x, T5 Lite, T4 Lite: should you buy?

The Vivo T-series phones focus heavily on battery life and durability, with each offering a large-capacity battery and miltary-grade durability. The Vivo T4 Lite packs a 6,000mAh battery, while the Vivo T5 Lite and T5x step this up to 6,500mAh and 7,200mAh, respectively. The T5 Lite and T5x also support 44W FlashCharge. All three phones feature a 50MP primary rear camera, while the T4 Lite and T5 Lite have a 5MP front camera.

The phones also carry MIL-STD-810H certification, with the T4 Lite, T5 Lite and T5x offering IP64, IP65 and IP68/IP69+ ratings, respectively. Moving on, the Vivo T4 Lite is the entry-level option, featuring a 6.74-inch HD+ LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate and the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G chipset. Its key highlight is the combination of a 6,000mAh battery and rugged build. It might ba last year's smartphone, but its up to three of software suppport makes it a reliable option in the budget segment.

[caption id="attachment_701287" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Vivo T5 Lite[/caption]

The Vivo T5 Lite steps things up with a 6.74-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,200 nits peak brightness. The handset is powered by the same Dimensity 6300 chipset but offers up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. Its standout feature is the 6,500mAh battery with 44W charging, along with the higher-resolution 120Hz display, making it a good casual gamers.

The Vivo T5x, which has received the highest price tag, sits at the top of the lineup and stands out primarily for its 7,200mAh battery. The handset also gets a more powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Turbo chipset, a 6.76-inch FHD+ 120Hz LCD display and a 32MP selfie camera. Its IP68 and IP69+ ratings also give it the strongest water and dust resistance of the three. One should consider buying this option if you an adventurist and also snaps a lot of selfies.

If you have been eyeing for these smartphones for long, it is better to invest on them now instead of later. While the handsets continue to sell online at their old price, they could soon be revised owing to the RAM and storage crunch, which has affected the entire industry.

• POCO has teased two new X-series phones in India with no launch date or timeline confirmed.
• The POCO X8 is tipped to feature a 9,000mAh battery, while the X8 Power could pack a 10,000mAh cell.
• The POCO  X8 is reportedly based on the Redmi Note 17 Pro and X8 Power on the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max.

[/highlights]

Soon after word spread that POCO is looking to expand its mid-range X-series in India, the company has teased two new smartphones for the market, months after the POCO X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max (review) arrived. The teaser does not reveal the phones' names or specifications, but reports suggest they could be the POCO X8 and X8 Power, with pretty large batteries as their selling pitch.

The two phones are expected to sit at different price points, with the X8 potentially offering a more affordable entry into the X8 family and the X8 Power targeting buyers who prioritise battery life.

POCO X8, X8 Power India launch, price range

The teaser, posted by POCO India on X, shows two tall phone silhouettes standing opposite each other against a black background, with bright orange light emerging between them. The words "Exponential Power Detected" appear above the phones, while "Preparing to Disrupt" is projected below them.

While the teaser itself does not disclose the battery capacities, its emphasis on power lines up with reports about the upcoming phones. As per previous reports, the POCO X8 is reportedly based on the Redmi Note 17 Pro, while the X8 Power could be a rebranded Redmi Note 17 Pro Max, which is scheduled to launch in Malaysia on August 27th. The two phones are tipped to launch in India in September.

The new phones would join the POCO X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max in the lineup, which launched in India in March. The X8 Pro currently starts at Rs 39,999, up from its launch price of Rs 32,999, while the X8 Pro Max now starts at Rs 49,999, compared with its launch price of Rs 42,999. So the sub-Rs 35,000 segment is virtually unrepresented in the company's India portfolio, as its M-series phones are all priced below Rs 25,000 currently.

Tipster Debayan Roy suggests the POCO X8 could cost around Rs 28,000 - Rs 30,000, while the X8 Power could be priced at around Rs 35,000. That would place both below the current X8 Pro models, giving POCO room to target buyers at different price points.

Expected specifications

According to past reports, the POCO X8 Power is the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max and could pack a 10,000mAh battery, which would be the largest battery in the X8 family. For comparison, the X8 Pro has a 6,500mAh silicon-carbon battery and the X8 Pro Max packs an 8,500mAh cell. Both existing models support 100W HyperCharge.

The POCO X8 Power is tipped to feature a 6.83-inch 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 chipset, LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. It could also have 50MP and 8MP rear cameras, a 32MP front camera, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IP68/IP69 ratings. Choudhary also claims four OS upgrades and six years of security updates.

The standard POCO X8 is tipped to have a 9,000mAh battery, AMOLED display and Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 chipset. Its battery would therefore be larger than both the X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max, despite the lower expected price.

The reported specifications suggest POCO is pushing battery capacity as its main selling pitch and not performance, which traditionally POCO phones have been known for. Buyers should therefore wait for official specifications and charging details before judging their value. A 9,000mAh or 10,000mAh battery could offer excellent endurance, but charging speed, weight, performance and display quality will determine how useful that capacity is in everyday use.

• The Samsung Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57 see price hikes of up to Rs 5,000.
• The revised prices are already live on Samsung's website.
• The Samsung Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57 are promised six OS upgrades.

[/highlights]

Following price revisions to several of its midrange smartphones in the Galaxy M and Galaxy F lineups, Samsung has raised prices on its latest Galaxy A smartphones. With the prices already live on Samsung's website, the Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57 are now up to Rs 5,000 more expensive than their launch price. While this is just the initial price increase, more hikes could be around the corner for these smartphones.

Samsung Galaxy A37, Galaxy A57 new pricing

With the memory crisis continuing to be an alarming issue, it was evident that Samsung would also raise the prices of its midrange smartphones; it was just a matter of when. In the past, most smartphones above Rs 40,000 from brands such as OPPO, Vivo, OnePlus, Realme, and others have seen price hikes. The Samsung Galaxy A37 and A57 are the latest additions to the list.

Are the Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57 still worth considering?

Samsung Galaxy A37

The base variant of the Samsung Galaxy A37 remains under Rs 45,000 while still delivering several perks that set it apart from others in its price segment. These include the promise of six OS upgrades and six years of security patch updates, the highly customisable and feature-rich One UI, and a strengthened build featuring Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and rear.

While the Exynos 1480 running on the Galaxy A37 may not offer high-end performance, as with the Redmi Turbo 5 with the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra, it will suffice for daily use, as noted in our review. The 5,000mAh battery is tuned to deliver 8 to 9 hours of screen on time, while the 50MP primary camera produces decent-looking, crisp shots in daylight. Overall, the Galaxy A37 still makes sense for users who need polished software, long-term support, and reliable daily performance.

Samsung Galaxy A57

Now starting at Rs 59,999, the Galaxy A57 faces competition from the OnePlus 15R and Motorola Edge 70 Max, both of which carry the superior Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC. While the Exynos 1680 powering the Galaxy A57 is suitable for daily tasks and multitasking, power users may lean towards OnePlus and Motorola to enjoy the best possible gaming experience.

On the other hand, just like the Galaxy A37, the Galaxy A57 will offer six OS upgrades, with only the Motorola Signature coming close by offering seven OS promise. One UI remains the phone's highlight over OxygenOS and Hello UI, especially for users seeking something distinct in UI design. If you're on the hunt for the best possible performance under Rs 60,000, there are better choices. However, users with basic needs who prioritise Samsung's software and ecosystem may still consider the Galaxy A57.

iPhone lineup for 2026: iPhone 18 Pro series, iPhone Ultra

In an interesting twist, rumours have it that Apple will skip launching the base iPhone in this year's September event. Along with that, the successor to last year's iPhone Air may also not be revealed during the event. Multiple reports suggest that due to the industry-wide memory crisis, Apple plans to focus on just a few new models this year, which happen to be the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the debutant iPhone Ultra, to dedicate the limited storage supply to just the high-profit-margin devices.

Speaking of which, the iPhone Ultra being a one-of-a-kind product in Apple's portfolio, they'd want it to be the prime focus of the event, as releasing the iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 alongside it and the Pro models could dilute people's attention. While the iPhone 18 and Air 2 aren't cancelled, per credible sources, these models are being delayed to a Q2 2026 release, which is the typical timeline for Apple's new MacBooks and iPads.

To make up for the iPhone 18's delay, Apple is reportedly ramping up production of the iPhone 17, as it will remain one of the most affordable entry points into Apple's ecosystem after the iPhone 17e.

iPhone 18 Pro series, iPhone Ultra expected launch date

In a typical fashion, Apple could unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the iPhone Ultra within the first two weeks of September. Furthermore, for the first time since 2019, the iPhone launch event could be held in person at Apple Park, per MacRumors.

Both the iPhone 16 series and iPhone 17 series were launched on September 9th in their respective years, so there's a high chance the latest iPhones could be unveiled on or before September 9th, Wednesday. If history is anything to go by, Apple could start sending out event invitations two weeks before the launch, meaning we could get concrete details on the iPhones' launch date around August 26th.

Pre-orders for the iPhone 18 Pro models could go live three to four days after the launch event, while in-store availability may take up to a week. On the other hand, per reports, the iPhone Ultra will be made available globally at a later date due to supply challenges.

iPhone 18 Pro series, iPhone Ultra expected pricing

iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max

While Apple may not have hiked prices on the iPhone 17 lineup, at least yet due to memory supply shortages, as other smartphone players have, the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series could certainly fetch a considerably higher starting price.
If reports are to be believed, the iPhone 18 Pro series could be priced USD 100 to USD 300 higher than the iPhone 17 Pro series. Since the iPhone 17 Pro in India is up for Rs 1,34,900, one can expect the iPhone 18 Pro to start at Rs 1,50,000 or even higher, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could easily touch Rs 1,70,000 for the base storage model.

Just a few months ago, Apple raised prices on several devices across its portfolio worldwide, including iPads, MacBooks, Apple TV, and HomePod. Therefore, it's evident that the new iPhones will carry a higher price tag at launch to offset the high costs of procuring memory.

iPhone Ultra

According to the Australian outlet, ChannelNews, while Apple will announce the iPhone Ultra alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, its pricing or exact availability date won't be detailed during the September event. This is because the foldable may see limited launch-day supply or staggered shipments due to early constraints in display and hinge production. Whatever the case may be, it's widely rumoured to be priced at USD 1,999 (Rs 1,90,000 approx.) or higher, making it the most expensive iPhone to launch.

iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max design and rumoured specifications

With the iPhone 17 Pro models getting a major rear panel revamp since the iPhone 11 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may look largely similar to last year's models. Meaning, the large rectangular camera plateau is likely to remain, while the entire back portion below it could house a glass enclosure within the aluminium chassis to enable wireless charging and MagSafe capabilities. Like previous models, these phones are likely to be IP68 rated.

The display could undergo a major change, though, as the Dynamic Island could become smaller by moving some Face ID components beneath the display, resulting in more screen real estate. Compared to the iPhone 17 Pro series, the iPhone 18 Pro series could have entirely new colourways, including Dark Cherry (a deep red or burgundy shade), Light Blue, Silver, and Dark Grey. Subsequently, Apple could ditch the two-tone rear design and instead go for a more unified look by matching the back glass and body colours.

[caption id="attachment_712524" align="alignnone" width="1263"] iPhone 18 Pro dummy units (Image credits: @SonnyDickson on X)[/caption]

The iPhone 18 Pro could sport a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of around 2622 × 1206, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max may feature a larger 6.9-inch panel with a similar resolution. The displays may continue to feature ProMotion with up to a 120Hz refresh rate and LTPO technology, while the peak brightness is rumoured to remain at 3,000 nits.

Both smartphones could run on TSMC's first 2nm based processor, the A20 Pro, resulting in noticeable efficiency improvements and performance gains. The vapour chamber found on the iPhone 17 Pro series is likely to be present again this time around. With iOS 27 already in beta, the iPhone 18 Pro series will run on the latest firmware out of the box.

[caption id="attachment_712522" align="alignnone" width="828"] iPhone 18 Pro dummy units (Image credits: @SonnyDickson on X)[/caption]

Since the telephoto lens got an upgrade last year, the 48MP main camera on the iPhone 18 Pro Max could get some love by being equipped with a variable aperture (rumoured to be f/1.4–f/4.0) for better control over light and depth of field, a first for iPhone. Players like Samsung and Xiaomi previously implemented variable apertures, but have since ditched them on newer models in favour of large sensor sizes. The iPhone 18 Pro, though, may not feature variable aperture. The same 48MP ultrawide and 48MP telephoto (with 4x optical zoom), along with the 18MP front camera from the iPhone 17 Pro, are likely to carry over to the iPhone 18 Pro models.

iPhone Ultra rumoured specifications

On to the iPhone Ultra, Apple's first foldable smartphone, it could sport a wide form factor like the recently released Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. When unfolded, the device will be shorter for easier access to top UI elements, while the width may be wider to accommodate more content at once. Upon opening, the inner display could support a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is ideal for watching content in most aspect ratios without black bars.

Per leaks, the iPhone Ultra could measure just 4.5mm to 4.8mm when unfolded and 9mm to 9.5mm folded. Its body could be constructed entirely from titanium and aluminium, while the hinge could deploy liquid metal to enhance durability and achieve a near-invisible crease. Despite such slimmness, a vapour chamber cooler is expected to be present. The foldable could arrive in white and black colourways.

[caption id="attachment_712521" align="alignnone" width="1252"] Image via: ShrimpApplePro (@VNchocoTaco) on X[/caption]

As for the actual displays, the cover display could measure 5.3 to 5.5-inches, while the inner display could carry a 7.6 to 7.8-inch panel, with both displays equipped with OLED and 120Hz ProMotion. Just like the iPhone 18 Pros, the Ultra could be powered by the 2nm-based A20 Pro SoC and run on iOS 27 at launch.

While Apple isn't likely to build an entirely new interface for the iPhone Ultra, there are several hints in iOS 27 suggesting the OS could let users open two or more apps side by side or run them in floating windows. This is evidenced by the fact that several first-party apps in iOS 27 now support horizontal view, including Weather, Apple Music, and others.

For the optics, the iPhone Ultra is speculated to miss out on a telephoto lens on the rear. Just like base iPhones, it could carry a 48MP primary camera and a 48MP ultrawide lens, while dual 18MP selfie cameras could be present, one for the outer display and another for the inner display.

[caption id="attachment_712523" align="alignnone" width="828"] iPhone Ultra dummy unit (Image credits: @SonnyDickson on X)[/caption]

The battery capacity on the iPhone Ultra could range from 4,700mAh to 5,800mAh, while there are reports that it won't feature MagSafe or Face ID due to its thinness.

While all the details, features, and specifications regarding the iPhone 18 Pro series and iPhone Ultra in this story are based on reports and rumours, these devices could be worth considering if you're looking to purchase full-fledged flagships. Users switching from an older iPhone to the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max could see improvements in battery life and performance, while camera enthusiasts may find the variable aperture useful for manually adjusting bokeh and exposure.

The iPhone Ultra, on the other hand, is set to offer a completely new experience to iOS users. Much like other foldable smartphones released in the past, the Ultra will deliver a flexible experience that seamlessly transitions between a compact phone and a tablet-sized display for multitasking, media consumption, and productivity.

FAQs

What devices will be announced during Apple's September 2026 launch event?

Apple is expected to unveil three devices in the upcoming September event, including iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone Ultra. The launch of the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and the next iPhone Air could be delayed to next year.

Will the base iPhone 18 not launch this year?

Apple could go for a split-launch strategy, prioritising higher-margin iPhone 18 Pro and Ultra models this September, partly due to component shortages and the expanded lineup that now includes a foldable, while the base iPhone 18's release could be delayed to next year.

What will be the key upgrades on the iPhone 18 Pro series?

Starting with the new A20 Pro chipset, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are set to be more powerful and efficient than last year's models, while the variable aperture on the iPhone 18 Pro Max's primary camera will provide manual control over light intake and, accordingly, adjust the bokeh. Up front, the Dynamic Island could get smaller, resulting in more viewable screen for daily use.

Will stable iOS 27 be rolled out after the September launch event?

While the new iPhone models will run on iOS 27 out of the box, the update is highly likely to be rolled out to all eligible iPhone users post the September launch event, as has been the case with every iOS release.

• The Vivo V80 Lite will be the company's first globally launched phone with a battery of this size.
• The phone will feature a flat design, a 50MP main camera and black, green and pink colour options.
• Its India launch and final specifications remain unconfirmed.

[/highlights]

Vivo is taking a battery pitch this time with its V-series. The company has confirmed that the Vivo V80 Lite will launch in Malaysia on September 3rd and will pack a 10,000mAh battery, making it the company's first globally launched smartphone with a battery of this capacity.

The phone had appeared earlier on an Indian retailer's Instagram page, suggesting an India launch could also be close. However, the design shown by Vivo Malaysia differs from that earlier teaser, leaving some questions around how the Indian model will look.

Vivo V80 Lite design and battery revealed

The Malaysian version of the Vivo V80 Lite 5G will feature a flat frame and flat rear panel, with black, green and pink colour options. A square camera module houses a 50MP primary sensor. The 10,000mAh battery is the biggest talking point. While this is not Vivo's first phone with a 10,000mAh cell as that distinction belongs to the Vivo Y600 Pro launched in China, the V80 Lite is the first globally launched model to reach this capacity.

The move comes as battery capacity is becoming an increasingly common differentiator in the mid-range segment with the advent of cheap Si-C technology. As OEMs cut corners across more expensive components like storage and performance, battery seems a feasible area to compensate with. Realme and Honor have already introduced phones globally with 10,000mAh batteries and Redmi is catching up with the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max later this month.

There were indications earlier that Vivo could be reusing hardware from the Vivo S2 for some markets. The V80 Lite has appeared under several model numbers across certification databases, with the V2576 particularly interesting because it's also associated with the S2. If the connection holds, the V80 Lite could feature a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, along with a 50MP Sony IMX852 main camera, 8MP ultrawide and 32MP selfie camera. Aura Light, stereo speakers, in-display fingerprint recognition and IP68/IP69 protection are also tipped.

There is still uncertainty around the chipset and charging. Reports have pointed to both the Dimensity 7360 Turbo and Dimensity 7300e, while certifications have suggested 44W charging rather than the previously rumoured 90W.

The V80 Lite could be worth waiting for if long battery life, an AMOLED display and design are priorities. A 10,000mAh battery could give the V80 Lite a clear advantage on paper, although the phone's weight, thickness and charging speed will determine how useful that capacity is in everyday use.

• The POCO X8 Power could become the brand's first 10,000mAh phone.
• Both phones are tipped to launch in India in September.
• They will join the POCO X8 Pro and POCO X8 Pro Max in the lineup in India.

[/highlights]

POCO could be preparing to push battery capacity into new territory with its upcoming X8 series in India. According to tipster Sanju Choudhary, the POCO X8 Power is in development with a 10,000mAh battery, which would make it the first POCO phone to reach that capacity.

Another tipster, Debayan Roy, has suggested that the POCO X8 and POCO X8 Power will arrive in India around September. The X8 Power is expected to be a rebranded version of the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max, which is scheduled to launch in Malaysia on August 27th. Notably, POCO Global has already started teasing a new phone.

POCO X8 Power

According to Choudhary, the POCO X8 Power could feature a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 3,840Hz PWM dimming and Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The phone is tipped to use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 chipset, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, although a lower variant could use UFS 2.2. The camera setup is said to include a 50MP main sensor, 8MP ultrawide and 32MP front camera. The phone could also carry IP68 and IP69 ratings while measuring 8.68 mm thick. Choudhary claims it will receive four OS upgrades and six years of security updates.

The 10,000mAh cell will be the headline feature. POCO's existing POCO M8 Power, launched in India at Rs 24,999, already packs an 8,000mAh battery, while the recently launched M8x offers a 7,900mAh cell from Rs 18,999. The X8 Power would take POCO's battery-focused strategy considerably further. That's the only thing that makes sense for OEMs now as tSi-C technology allows manufacturers to pack big-numbered cells without increasing the cost too much. With rising prices due to the memory crisis, that's a sigh of relief.

POCO X8

Roy suggests the standard POCO X8 could be positioned below the X8 Power and arrive with a 9,000mAh battery and AMOLED display. It's tipped to use the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4, which would make it a more performance-focused option than the lower-priced M8 series, but below the X8 Power.

Roy claims the Redmi Note 17 is effectively the POCO M8 Power, while the Redmi 17 5G corresponds to the POCO M8x. The Redmi Note 17 Pro is expected to become the POCO X8, with the Note 17 Pro Max reportedly becoming the X8 Power.

If the two phones launch in September, POCO could have a strong battery proposition against rivals in the upper mid-range segment. However, buyers should wait for official pricing before deciding, as a 10,000mAh battery alone does not guarantee better overall value. Display quality, charging speed, chipset performance and phone weight will matter just as much for a device intended for everyday use.

New research commissioned by Intel finds that robotics adoption is accelerating faster than organisations can operationally support it. The study, titled "The Robotics Readiness Gap", surveyed 800 senior business and IT leaders, robotics specialists, and government and healthcare officials across the US, UK, Germany, Japan, China, and South Korea, all from organisations with annual revenue exceeding $500 million.

The central finding is a straightforward disconnect. Six in ten leaders expect their organisation to operate a fleet of robots within five years. But in reality, only four in ten currently have a formal strategy to manage a mixed human-robot workforce. The gap between ambition and readiness is the report's defining tension.

"The next phase of robotics adoption won't be defined by whether organisations can deploy robots, it will be defined by whether they're ready to scale them. Those that embed robotics and Physical AI into their core operations, rather than layering them on top of existing systems, will be the ones who capture the full value of this shift." John Healy, Vice President and General Manager, Industrial and Robotics Division, Intel

Five factors separating success from stalled pilots

Intel's research identifies five areas where that readiness gap shows up most clearly:

• On strategy, 67% of leaders are confident their organisation will be ready to manage a mixed human-robot workforce by 2030, yet only 40% have a formal plan in place today. Confidence is running well ahead of preparation.
• On skills, two-thirds of leaders believe robotics will make their human workforce more skilled rather than less. At the same time, four in ten say talent availability is actively blocking them from scaling robotics beyond the pilot stage.
• On safety, 31% of leaders cite safety as the area where robotics has delivered the greatest value. Yet 55% say safety concerns have delayed deployment, and 68% believe clearer global safety standards would help accelerate adoption a signal that regulatory uncertainty is a meaningful brake on the industry.
• On shape, 77% of leaders say robotic performance matters more than appearance. But 65% believe current robot form factors are dictated by technology limitations rather than real-world operational needs, suggesting the hardware is still catching up to the use case.
• On scale, more than three-quarters of leaders say critical robotics applications require decisions within 100 milliseconds, with nearly a quarter requiring responses in under 10 milliseconds. Currently, 42% of organisations have a defined and funded edge or on-device AI strategy, with 39% actively developing one. The remaining 19% are operating without a clear path to the low-latency infrastructure that scaled robotics demands.

The Physical AI layer

Intel frames the report within its broader push into Physical AI, bringing AI-powered perception, reasoning, and decision-making into dynamic industrial environments. Intel is positioning its edge AI silicon alongside the Intel Robotics AI Suite and OpenVINO Physical AI tools. Together, these form the essential infrastructure layer for organisations. This foundation should enable companies to move seamlessly from pilot deployments to scaled operations.

The research also notes that organisations already deploying robots report measurable gains in productivity, quality, and speed of service. This increasingly treats robotics as a competitive necessity rather than an experimental project. Leaders predict full-scale deployment could double operational output.

The readiness gap Intel has identified is not primarily a technology problem. It is a strategy, skills, and infrastructure problem. Meanwhile, closing it will determine which organisations capture the value of the robotics shift and which ones remain stuck at the pilot stage.

"Work in the future will be a partnership between humans, agents, and robots all powered by artificial intelligence." This excerpt is taken from a McKinsey Global Institute report published nine months ago. Click here to read the full report.

The workplace is changing fast. Robots aren't just in factories anymore, they're in hospitals, stores, and offices. The good news is that they aren't here to take our jobs. Instead, they are being built to work alongside us and help us do things better. Because of better technology, today's robots can actually learn and adapt to what humans need. They are becoming our teammates rather than just basic tools.

But getting humans and robots to work together smoothly is a big challenge. It means we literally have to rethink how we manage our teams and design our workspaces. More importantly, look at the future of work so that people are still the main focus.

ColorOS 17 release timeline

Since OPPO, along with OnePlus and Realme, will adopt ColorOS 17 as part of their Android 17 rollout, the official announcement could be made soon. The first official hint of the skin's presence came in the form of the ColorOS 17 closed beta recruitment announcement, which began on August 6th for multiple OPPO, OnePlus, and Realme models in China, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

While the closed beta application page didn't explicitly state it's the ColorOS 17 update, such rollouts are generally reserved for major updates. If past track record is anything to go by, the closed beta testing could last for four to five weeks, after which the open beta programme could begin. The closed beta update is limited to just 300 users on a specific device, while the open beta update is available for all to download directly.

The first set of devices receiving the ColorOS 17 closed beta update includes:

• OPPO: OPPO Find X9 Pro, OPPO Reno 15 Pro, OPPO Reno 15 Pro mini
• OnePlus: OnePlus 15, OnePlus 15R
• Realme: Realme GT 8 Pro

ColorOS 17 unified design and features across OPPO, OnePlus, and Realme devices

Since the eligible phones from all three brands will run ColorOS 17, one can certainly expect the smartphones to feature a shared design language and features. However, as was the case with OxygenOS 16 and Realme UI 7, which featured their own sets of homescreen icons, different quick settings sliders, and a distinct About Phone page compared to ColorOS 16, it remains to be seen whether the same will apply to OnePlus and Realme devices on ColorOS 17.

That being said, the core design of ColorOS 17 is likely to be implemented across all smartphones. Meaning the design of every first-party app, menu, setting, and core visuals will be the same.

OPPO devices eligible for ColorOS 17 (expected)

Since ColorOS has been the proprietary custom skin for OPPO devices, ColorOS 17 could be released for the following devices:

OnePlus devices eligible for ColorOS 17 (expected)

With OnePlus officially declaring that OxygenOS is being sunset in favour of ColorOS going forward starting with Android 17, the list of expected devices set to get ColorOS 17 are as follows:

The company has also noted that users will be able to switch back to OxygenOS 16 if they don't find ColorOS 17 up to the mark, whether in terms of design or specific features that may be removed in the upcoming ColorOS iteration.

Realme devices eligible for ColorOS 17 (expected)

With most promising at least two OS upgrades, particularly on the entry-level and budget models, here's the expected list of Realme devices set to receive ColorOS 17:

ColorOS 17 new features and improvements (expected)

Since OPPO, OnePlus, and Realme have just launched the closed beta programme for ColorOS 17, there isn't much official information available about the new features and improvements for the upcoming ColorOS iteration. However, based on the hints dropped by ColorOS' Director and a few leaks that have popped up recently, here's what to expect on ColorOS 17:

Core experience improvements: Per Chen Xi, the Design Director of ColorOS, the new update will focus on improving the core experience, resulting in faster performance, greater efficiency, and improved system stability. From what we can tell, since ColorOS 15 and 16 already introduced a variety of new features across AI, customisation, and productivity, it makes sense for ColorOS 17 to further refine the UI.

Brand new Software Update screen: Right after ColorOS 17 closed beta went live for the OnePlus 15, Smartprix exclusively posted the 'Software Update' screen found on the new ColorOS version. The page will include a transparent section with the changelog for the latest update.

Rounder elements across the UI: ColorOS 17 is tipped to carry more rounder elements in several parts of the UI. From pop-up menus to buttons to section menus within first-party apps, one can expect the UI to flaunt rounder corners.

More prominent glass and light aesthetics: ColorOS 16 introduced the Luminous Rendering Engine, which enabled the UI to display hints of glass and glowing light elements in key areas, such as homescreen folders, lockscreen clock, buttons within first-party apps, and more. ColorOS 17 could further improve upon this engine to make the effects more prominent and visually appealing.

[caption id="attachment_702239" align="alignnone" width="1200"] OxygenOS 16 elements for reference[/caption]

FAQs

When will ColorOS 17 be released?

OPPO, OnePlus, and Realme could announce ColorOS 17 by mid-October 2026 at the latest, as ColorOS 16 was unveiled during the same timeframe last year.

Will ColorOS 17 bring a major visual redesign?

OPPO's ColorOS Design Director has confirmed that ColorOS 17 will focus on refining the core experience and improving stability, performance, and smoothness, rather than introducing a major UI overhaul or adopting a "Liquid Glass"-like design in a heavy way.

Will it be possible to downgrade from Android 17-based ColorOS 17 to Android 16?

As has been the case with ColorOS in the past, users are likely to be offered the option to downgrade from Android 17-based ColorOS 17 to Android 16. In fact, OnePlus has assured that it'll provide the procedure for users willing to switch back to OxygenOS 16 if they don't find ColorOS 17 to be on par with OxygenOS' signature design and look or specific features.

Which devices are expected to get ColorOS 17 first?

Early priority is expected for recent flagships such as the OPPO Find X9, Find X9s, Find X9 Pro, Find X9 Ultra, OnePlus 15, OnePlus 15R, and Realme GT 8 Pro. Besides that, the OPPO Find X10 series and OnePlus 16 could boot ColorOS 17 out of the box at launch.

• Vivo has confirmed the upcoming Vivo T5 through a Flipkart microsite, with the phone set to launch soon in India.
• The T5 5G is teased with OriginOS, a GenAI-ready NPU, and a 0.799cm-thick body.
• Vivo has said the phone will launch in the Rs 34,999 - Rs 49,999 range.

[/highlights]

Vivo is expanding its T5 series in India with another 5G smartphone. The Vivo T5 5G has appeared on Flipkart, confirming that the phone will be sold through the e-commerce platform when it launches. Vivo hasn't yet announced the launch date, but the teaser gives an early look at its design and price range.

Vivo T5 India launch, price range

The Vivo T5 is teased to come with OriginOS and a GenAI-ready NPU, suggesting that AI features will be a key part of its pitch, like all mid-range phones these days. Vivo also claims it will have the segment's slimmest 3D curved display in the Rs 34,999 to Rs 49,999 price segment, with the phone measuring just 0.799 cm in thickness.

Vivo has already launched four T5-series models in India, including the T5 Lite, T5 Pro, T5e and T5x. The upcoming T5 will sit between the T5 Pro and T5x and mostly start under Rs 40,000, given the disclaimer in the teaser. The launch announcement comes at a time when he Vivo T5 Pro 5G just saw a huge price hike. It originally started at Rs 29,999 when it launched in April but now costs Rs 41,999, while the T5x 5G starts at Rs 24,999. That leaves considerable room for another model in Vivo's portfolio. The wider smartphone market is also dealing with rising memory costs, which are putting pressure on manufacturers to raise prices. A new T5 model could therefore give Vivo a way to offer a newer design and features at a different price point.

The Vivo T5 5G will enter a segment that already includes its recently launched cousin, the iQOO Z11, OnePlus Nord CE 6 and Realme 16. The iQOO Z11 is particularly relevant because it launched in the same sub-Rs 40,000 segment and could lend some of its specifications to the T5. Since we don't know anything concrete about the Vivo T5, we could get a bit of an idea from the iQOO Z11. It comes with a curved 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display, 144Hz refresh rate and MediaTek Dimensity 7500 Turbo chipset. It also packs a 7,050mAh battery, 50MP main and 8MP ultrawide cameras, IP68 and IP69 ratings, and OriginOS 6 based on Android 16. With the Z11 already offering a strong hardware package, Vivo will need to differentiate the T5 5G beyond its slim profile and curved display.

For buyers considering a phone in this range, it may be worth waiting for the T5 5G's launch if a slim design and curved display are priorities. 

• The Lava Bold N4 Lite could succeed the Bold N2 Lite.
• The Lava Bold N4 Lite is likely to carry 4G-only capabilities.
• The smartphone will be sold online via Amazon.

[/highlights]

After launching the Lava Bold N2 5G in India a couple of months back, the homegrown brand is set to bring another offering in the Bold N series: the Bold N4 Lite. Likely to be a 4G-only smartphone, the device's teaser has gone live on Amazon, while revealing its launch date and design details.

Lava Bold N4 Lite confirmed launch date

Per the Amazon teaser, the Lava Bold N4 Lite will be unveiled in the country on August 27th at 12 PM. Lava's Bold series has generally been associated with an affordable price tag, allowing it to target the mass market seeking a smartphone for basic use. The Bold N4 Lite could be positioned similarly, offering an essential set of specifications and features.

Lava Bold N4 Lite design details

While the teaser doesn't reveal much, the phone appears to be covered by a cloth, with only the bottom and side portions visible, including the volume and power buttons, speaker grille, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and the Type-C port. Much like previous releases from Lava, the phone flaunts a light golden colour, while another colour shade could also be in tow.

The phone is confirmed to feature a MIL-STD-810H military-grade rating for drop and shock resistance. This should ensure the device doesn't sustain significant damage when dropped or bumped against hard surfaces, provided the impact isn't severe.



Along with subtly revealing the phone, the teaser promotes Lava's free home service, allowing users to get issues with their phone fixed in the comfort of their home. That's all that has been revealed for now.

Since Lava didn't release the Lava Bold N3 Lite, the Bold N4 Lite appears to be a direct successor to the Bold N2 Lite, which was launched in April this year. For the uninitiated, the Bold N2 Lite featured a 6.75-inch HD+ LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 28mm-based Unisoc SC9863A chipset paired with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, a 13MP primary camera, and a 5,000mAh battery. The phone ran Android 15 Go at launch.

The Lava Bold N4 Lite could feature upgraded specifications and be priced accordingly. Besides that, given rising memory costs, we won't be surprised if the Lava Bold N4 Lite launches at a significantly higher price than the Lava Bold N2 Lite to offset high component costs. That said, buyers interested in a durable, basic-use smartphone can wait until the official launch on August 27th for full specifications and pricing before deciding whether to get the Bold N4 Lite.

• Apple's macOS 26.7 Release Candidate contains references to more than 10 unreleased products, including new iPhones, Macs, iPad mini, AirPods and smart home devices.
• The leaked references include Apple's first foldable iPhone, OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro models, a new Home Hub, and camera-equipped AirPods.
• The software also appears to reference an OLED iPad mini with an A19 Pro chip and upcoming M6-powered Mac models.

[/highlights]

Apple may have accidentally offered a preview of its next wave of hardware. The macOS 26.7 Release Candidate contains references to more than 10 unreleased products, ranging from a long-rumoured foldable iPhone and OLED MacBook Pro to new smart home devices and camera-equipped AirPods, according to MacRumors.

The references do not confirm launch dates or final specifications, but they add weight to several products that have surfaced in reports over the past few months.

Apple Smart Home products

Among the more interesting discoveries are references to Apple's upcoming Home Hub, which is expected to be the company's first dedicated smart home controller. The device, reportedly carrying the J490 and J491 identifiers, is said to run a new homeOS platform, with one version designed for wall mounting. Earlier reports have suggested a price of around USD 350 (Rs 33,500).

The software also references a next-generation HomePod mini under the B525 identifier, compared with B520 for the current model. Another product, listed as Home Accessory (J229), is believed to be Apple's long-rumoured security camera.

If these products arrive, Apple would be stepping into a smart home market dominated by Google and Amazon, both of which already offer smart displays, speakers and security cameras. Apple's advantage could instead come from tighter integration with Siri, Apple devices and its broader ecosystem.

Foldable iPhone, OLED MacBook Pro and more

The macOS build also references several iPhone identifiers, including V62, V63, V64, V67 and V68. These have previously been associated with the iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 and Apple's first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Ultra.

Reports suggest the Pro models and foldable iPhone could arrive in September, while the regular iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 may follow in spring 2027. The foldable would put Apple directly against Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series and Google's Pixel 11 Pro Fold, making it one of the company's most significant new products in years.

On the Mac side, J804 is believed to be a 14-inch MacBook Pro with Apple's upcoming M6 chip, while J833 and J834 reportedly correspond to new iMac models. Four other identifiers appear to be linked to MacBook Pro models with OLED displays and touchscreens, potentially marking a major change to Apple's long-standing approach to Mac displays.

OLED iPad mini and camera-equipped AirPods

The next iPad mini is also referenced through the J510 and J511 identifiers. It's expected to bring an OLED display and an A19 Pro chip, which would give Apple's smallest tablet a significant display upgrade over the current model. Perhaps the strangest discovery is a video showing AirPods with cameras. The earbuds could use those cameras alongside Visual Intelligence to understand objects and surroundings, pointing to Apple's broader push to bring AI features into more of its hardware.

Anyone considering a MacBook Pro, iPad mini or AirPods upgrade may benefit from waiting if their current device is still usable, while buyers who need a product now should base the decision on officially announced hardware rather than internal code names.

• The POCO M8x is the first phone in India with Snapdragon 4 Gen 5.
• The phone comes with a 6.9-inch 120Hz LCD display. 
• The device is available for purchase at a net effective price of Rs 18,999.  

[/highlights]

POCO has launched the POCO M8x in India, bringing a large display, a huge battery and the new Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 chipset to its M-series lineup. The phone also gets a premium leather finish, improved durability features and a long update policy, positioning it as a device built around endurance and everyday usability. Let's take a deeper look at its features and specifications below.

POCO M8x: price in India

The offer price includes a Rs 2,000 discount coupon. The POCO M8x is available in three colourways, which include Leather Green, Blue, and Black. 

POCO M8x: features, specifications

The 7,900mAh battery is the biggest highlight of the POCO M8x and should help users get through long days of streaming, browsing, gaming and social media without reaching for a charger. It supports 45W fast charging, while 22.5W reverse wired charging allows the phone to top up other compatible devices when needed.

The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 5, which makes its India debut with the M8x. POCO has paired the chipset with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage, providing the hardware needed for everyday apps, multitasking and lighter gaming.

On the front, the M8x gets a large 6.9-inch LCD HD+ display with 120Hz refresh rate and Wet Touch 2.0, which should keep the touchscreen responsive when your fingers are wet or the phone is used in light rain. The panel also gets Corning Gorilla Glass 7i for added protection against everyday scratches and wear.

The phone has a 50MP dual AI camera on the rear and an 8MP front camera. POCO also includes features such as AI Night Mode and AI Erase, while Circle to Search with Gemini provides a quicker way to look up information from the screen.

The M8x uses a premium leather-style finish and carries an IP64 rating, giving it some protection against dust and water splashes. It also features dual stereo speakers with up to 300 percent volume boost, which should make videos, music and calls easier to hear without headphones.

On the software side, the phone runs Xiaomi HyperOS 3 and comes with 4 years of OS updates and six years of security patches. This makes it a more appealing option for buyers who plan to keep their device for several years.

Should you buy the POCO M8x?

The POCO M8x makes a strong case for buyers who prioritise battery life, but it faces competition from phones such as the OnePlus N6 (review), which also focuses heavily on endurance. The OnePlus N6 packs an 8,000mAh battery and 45W charging while offering a 120Hz display and the clean OxygenOS experience.

The POCO M8x, however, has an advantage in a few areas, which includes a slghtly better chipset, a larger display and longer software support with 4 major OS updates. For users who want the best possible battery life, the OnePlus N6 remains a good alternative, while the POCO M8x could make more sense for those who value long-term software support and a more feature-rich overall package.

iQOO Z11 vs OnePlus Nord CE6: specs at a glance

iQOO Z11 vs OnePlus Nord CE6: price in India

The iQOO Z11 (review) starts at Rs 34,999 for the base variant with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. It is available in four memory configurations, giving buyers more options to choose from. In comparison, the OnePlus Nord CE6 (review) starts at Rs 37,999 and is offered in just two variants. However, its base model comes with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, which is more affordable than the Z11 for the same configuration. 

iQOO Z11 vs OnePlus Nord CE6: display, design

The iQOO Z11 features a large 6.83-inch 1.5K (2800×1260 pixels) 3D AMOLED curved display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a 2000-nit high-brightness mode. The display also supports HDR10+, Amazon Prime Video HDR, and Netflix HDR. The curved design adds to the immersive experience of watching content. The OnePlus Nord CE6, on the other hand, offers a flat 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, 3,600 nits peak brightness, and 1,800 nits in High Brightness Mode (HBM).

Both phones offer similar display hardware, with the choice depending on whether you like flat or curved screens. 

Design is distinct for both phones but minimalist and premium at the same time. With the iQOO Z11, you get curved edges with a horizontal camera bar at the back. It's a tall and slim frame measuring 7.99mm thick. The handset comes in Celestial Blue and Aurora Green colours. The OnePlus Nord CE6 has a flat frame with a simpler and cleaner look. It's slightly thicker than the Z11 and heavier too. The handset has three colour options to choose from: Fresh Blue, Pitch Black, and Lunar Pearl. 

In terms of durability, the iQOO Z11 gets IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance. The Nord CE6 comes with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings and MIL-STD-810H certification, adding extra protection. 

iQOO Z11 vs OnePlus Nord CE6: chipset

The iQOO Z11 is powered by the new MediaTek Dimensity 7500 Turbo chipset and is the first phone to launch with this chipset in India. The chipset is paired with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage along with a 3800mm2 vapour chamber for heat dissipation. In comparison, the OnePlus Nord CE6 uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset. It uses the same UFS 3.1 storage and LPDDR4X RAM, but a bigger 5,000mm2 vapour chamber for cooling under heavy load.

Both phones are expected to perform similarly when it comes to regular usage or heavy gaming, but the Nord CE6 could handle heat better. 

iQOO Z11 vs OnePlus Nord CE6: battery

The iQOO Z11 packs a sizeable 7,050mAh battery with 44W fast charging support. This battery capacity is among the larger capacities in this segment. It should be suitable for both regular and power users. You also get bypass charging on the Z11, which means you can charge the phone while gaming without having to worry about the phone heating up. The OnePlus Nord CE6 offers a bigger 8,000mAh battery with faster 80W SuperVOOC charging. It also supports reverse charging at 27W and bypass charging. 

The Nord CE6 offers a larger battery and faster charging, which may be better suited to users who prioritise endurance and quicker top-ups. The Z11, meanwhile, also packs a sizable battery that should comfortably handle typical day-to-day usage.

iQOO Z11 vs OnePlus Nord CE6: cameras

For photography, the iQOO Z11 houses a dual-camera setup with a 50MP primary camera and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. Up front, the handset features a 32MP camera for selfies. The OnePlus Nord CE6 has a similar setup with a 50MP primary camera, but it uses a 2MP secondary lens instead of an ultra-wide. For selfies, the Nord CE6 also gets a 32MP front camera. 

Both phones offer capable camera setups for everyday photography and social media, while the iQOO Z11 offers added versatility with its ultra-wide camera.

iQOO Z11 vs OnePlus Nord CE6: software

On the software front, the iQOO Z11 runs OriginOS 6.0 based on Android 16 out of the box. The handset will get three major Android upgrades (up to Android 19) and five years of security updates. It also comes with AI features for productivity such as AI Captions, AI Creation, AI Routing, Conversation Memory, and Circle to Search. The OnePlus Nord CE6 also runs Android 16 with OxygenOS 16 layered on top. Its software update policy includes two major OS upgrades (up to Android 18) and four years of security patches. It also comes with AI features such as AI Eraser, AI Portrait Glow, AI Writer, AI Translation, and AI Voice Scribe. 

Both phones offer a customisable and interactive UI with several AI features. The Z11 is more secure long-term as it offers an extra OS upgrade and longer security patches. 

Summing up

Overall, the iQOO Z11 and OnePlus Nord CE6 offer a fairly balanced package, with each taking a different approach in key areas. Both feature similar displays, although the Z11 stands out with its 3D curved panel while the Nord CE6 opts for a flat screen. Their chipsets are expected to deliver comparable performance, with the OnePlus phone having the advantage of a larger vapour chamber for thermal management.

The Nord CE6 also packs a larger battery and faster charging, while the Z11 offers a more versatile camera setup with an ultra-wide lens. On the software front, the iQOO Z11 gets the advantage with longer software support. 

• The two new chips will likely be called the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro.
• The Pro model is tipped to feature an Adreno 850 GPU, 18MB graphics cache, LPDDR6 RAM and UFS 5.0 storage.
• Snapdragon Summit 2026 is scheduled for September 22nd to 24th in Maui, Hawaii.

[/highlights]

Qualcomm has officially confirmed what the leaks were saying all along. The chipmaker appears ready to expand its flagship Snapdragon lineup this year, with a teaser pointing to two new chips arriving at the Snapdragon Summit 2026. The company says consumers should expect "Dual 8 Elites", with improvements to connectivity, cameras and gaming across both processors.

The Snapdragon Summit will take place from September 22nd to 24th in Maui, Hawaii, where Qualcomm is expected to reveal more about its next generation of flagship silicon.

Expected key differences

Qualcomm's teaser does not name the processors, but recent leaks point to a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and a higher-end Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro. Both are expected to use a 2nm manufacturing process and next-generation Oryon CPU cores in a 2+3+3 configuration.

The next chapter of the agentic AI era begins at #SnapdragonSummit.

When Two Changes the Game. See the reveal on September 22. pic.twitter.com/4S1SSvJ1fk

— Snapdragon (@Snapdragon) August 19, 2026

Based on leaks, the standard chip is tipped to feature an Adreno 845 GPU with 12MB of graphics cache, while the Pro could get an Adreno 850 with 18MB. The Pro is also expected to support LPDDR6 RAM, compared with LPDDR5X on the regular variant, along with UFS 5.0 storage and Qualcomm's new X105 modem.

Leaked information also points to a 5.0GHz-or-higher clock speed for the Pro, potentially helped by advanced cooling technology. An AnTuTu 11 result of around 4.83 million points has surfaced for the chip. That is only around a 5 percent improvement over the roughly 4-4.6 million points seen from the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in some tests, although leaked benchmark results from unfinished hardware aren't a reliable measure of final performance.

The Pro could also introduce features such as AI Frame Fusion, which may allow games to render at lower resolutions and upscale frames to improve efficiency without sacrificing smoothness.

Qualcomm's decision to split its flagship platform into two tiers may have economic sense behind it. Smartphone prices have been climbing, with even sub-flagship and entry-premium models increasingly starting above Rs 60,000 in India. A regular Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 could therefore give brands a way to build acceptable standard flagships in the Rs 70,000 - Rs 80,000 range without pushing component costs too high. The Pro, meanwhile, could be reserved for Ultra-level flagships, gaming phones and high-end foldables where buyers are already paying a premium. This approach would manufacturers greater flexibility in pricing and positioning, which is what OEMs have been struggling with during the higher memory cost component crisis plaguing the industry.

For buyers, a standard Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 phone should still deliver flagship-class performance, making it the more sensible choice for most users. The Pro's advantages may matter more to gamers, power users and buyers considering devices such as the Xiaomi 18 Pro/Pro Max, Samsung's Galaxy S27 Ultra or iQOO's new compact tablet, where features like faster memory, graphics performance and connectivity can better justify the higher price.

Qualcomm is expected to confirm the names, specifications and devices for both chips at the Snapdragon Summit in September.

• Vivo Y31t 5G price in India starts at Rs 25,999.
• The handset packs a 7,200mAh battery.
• Vivo hasn't officially launched the Y31t 5G online. 

[/highlights]

Vivo has expanded its Y-series portfolio in India with the launch of the Vivo Y31t 5G, a new budget smartphone. The new Vivo 5G phone is being sold directly through retail stores, according to a report by 91mobiles Hindi. The Vivo Y31t 5G has a large 7,200mAh battery, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, and a 50MP primary camera. 

Vivo Y31t 5G price in India

The Vivo Y31t 5G is priced at Rs 25,999 for the base variant with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage. It comes in two more variants with up to 8GB RAM but the same storage capacity. Tipster Sanju has also shared a post on X saying that the Vivo Y31t 5G will launch at a starting price of Rs 25,999. However, it's not clear if the phone will be available online. 

It comes in Mint Green and Ruby Red colour options. Vivo is also offering a Rs 1,500 bank discount.

Vivo Y31t 5G specifications

The biggest highlight of the Vivo Y31t 5G is its 7,200mAh battery, which is among the largest battery capacities in this segment. The handset comes with 44W fast charging support. With this battery capacity, you should get more than a day's juice depending on your usage. It should be enough for both casual and power users alike. 

The smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, paired with an Adreno 613 GPU. It runs Android 16-based OriginOS 6 out of the box. While the processor should handle everyday tasks comfortably, buyers looking for gaming-focused performance may find better options at this price.

The phone features a 6.75-inch HD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate, and up to 1,200 nits of brightness. It also gets DC dimming, low blue light, and eye-protection features. While the HD+ resolution has become standard for this segment, thanks to price hikes, you might still find alternatives with a better display. 

For photography, there's a 50MP primary camera paired with a 2MP secondary sensor. An 8MP front camera handles selfies and video calls. This camera setup is pretty standard for phones in this price segment. The Vivo Y31t 5G also carries IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance.

The Y31t 5G is best suited to buyers who prioritise battery endurance and durability with its 7,200mAh cell and IP68/IP69 protection. However, the HD+ display and entry-level Snapdragon chipset mean performance-focused users should compare alternatives before buying, especially at the Rs 25,999 starting price.