• Vivo S2 FE will launch in India alongside the Vivo V80 on October 6th at 12 noon IST.
• The phone has a flat green rear design with a rounded-square dual-camera module, as shown on its Flipkart microsite.
• The Vivo S2 FE is tipped to feature a 6.83-inch 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED display, Dimensity 7300e chipset and 10,000mAh battery.

[/highlights]

After multiple rumours and leaks, Vivo has confirmed that the Vivo S2 FE will launch in India alongside the Vivo V80 on October 6th. A Flipkart microsite is already live, confirming the phone's availability on the platform. Vivo hasn't revealed the complete specifications or official India price, but have given us a glimpse of the phone through a teaser. The device looks notably different from the Vivo S2 that launched in the country in August.

Vivo S2 FE India launch details

The Vivo S2 FE will be sold through Flipkart, with the launch scheduled for October 6th at 12 noon IST. A leaked box price reportedly lists the 6GB + 128GB variant at Rs 39,999, although the actual selling price could be lower as the S2 actually launched at that price but is now more expensive after a hike.

The Flipkart teaser gives us a clear look at the S2 FE's rear design. The phone has a flat green rear panel with rounded corners and flat-looking side frames. At the top-left is a rounded-square camera module with two large circular elements stacked vertically. An LED flash sits alongside the upper camera.

The design is notably different from the Vivo S2, which uses a pill-shaped camera module. The S2 FE also appears to keep the rear relatively clean, with the camera island being the main visual element. Reports have tipped Stellar Green, Zen White and Titan Black colour options, although the green finish is the one Vivo is currently showing on Flipkart.

Vivo S2 FE specifications

The Vivo S2 FE is tipped to feature a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2,000 nits HBM brightness. It's expected to use the MediaTek Dimensity 7300e, paired with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, along with a reported 3,800 sq mm VC cooling system.

The biggest reported highlight is a 10,000mAh battery, although Vivo hasn't confirmed this yet. A 44W charging system is also expected. At a reported 8.75 mm thickness and 225g weight, the phone could be slimmer than some competing 10,000mAh devices, making its design and ergonomics a potential differentiator.

Camera specifications are tipped to include a 50MP Sony IMX852 primary camera, 2MP secondary camera and 32MP selfie camera. IP68 and IP69 ratings are also expected, along with three OS updates and five years of security updates.

The reported hardware and design is similar to the Vivo V80 Lite 5G sold in Malaysia, which also has the Dimensity 7300e, 10,000mAh battery, 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED display and 44W charging. Vivo has not confirmed a connection between the two models.

The pricing will matter because the S2 FE will enter a market where battery capacity is becoming a bigger selling point. The Realme P4 Power is already available just over Rs 30,000 with a 10,000mAh battery, putting pressure on Vivo to justify a substantially higher price through other hardware or design advantages. The S2 FE gives Vivo another option in the mid-range segment, while the V80 continues its established focus on design and cameras. For buyers, the S2 FE makes more sense if its final price stays well below Rs 40,000 and the 10,000mAh battery is confirmed; otherwise, cheaper rivals with similar battery capacity could offer stronger value.

Audio Intelligence is the real headline buried under the iPhone 18 Pro's camera talk, and it's a Watch feature that only functions because of what's inside the phone next to it. Here's what it does, how it moves your voice around without recording it, and whether your current setup actually qualifies.

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What's included and what's coming

True to its philosophy, Apple has ensured maximum levels of privacy are maintained while unlocking four Audio Intelligence features on Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4. Sound Recognition flags alarms, sirens and doorbells amongst others, even when your iPhone isn't nearby. Shazam-powered Music Recognition IDs a song automatically and drops it into the Smart Stack. Live Rewind plays back the last 15 seconds of a conversation as text after a double-press of the Digital Crown, and Siri Recap listens through a meeting or your whole day and files a title, summary and key points in the Siri app, deleting itself after seven days unless you save it. Sound Recognition and Shazam are live right now, with Live Rewind and Siri Recap arriving as English-only betas later this year.

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Shazam can be turned on using the Apple Watch Settings menu under Smart Stack and Music Detection, whereas Sound Recognition can be enabled through the iPhone Settings app under Accessibility. Go to Sound Recognition and turn on "Detect using Apple Watch" and if it's already on, then the Watch will automatically mirror those settings and activate the feature when nee. If you have Sound Recognition already enabled on your iPhone, it will be automatically enabled on your Apple Watch.

How it avoids being a recording

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The S11 chip's Secure Exclave, a compartment totally sealed off from the rest of watchOS, runs a small model that checks for nearby speech without transcribing anything. Only if that gate trips does audio enter a buffer inside the Exclave, and that buffer keeps overwriting itself, encrypted throughout. So in essence, it isn't "saving" any audio, including speech or music, making it totally private according to Apple. In fact, it even emits an audible chime along with an animation on the Watch when Live Rewind is engaged, letting people around know that something is being documented.

What the iPhone is actually doing

For Siri Recap, the Watch encrypts that buffer and sends it over a dedicated channel straight to the Secure Exclave on your paired iPhone. Not the OS, not an app, the Exclave. Speech recognition turns it into text there, an on-device model compresses it to under half its length, and the raw audio is deleted on both devices immediately. Only that condensed text, plus scraps like Now Playing data or a coarse location tag such as "home," goes to Private Cloud Compute for the final summary. Precise GPS, speaker identification, and financial or government ID numbers (Aadhaar, PAN, and equivalents) are excluded by design and never leave the device. Shazam runs a smaller version of the same idea and only sends an acoustic signature to the PCC servers, not the actual audio.

Does your phone qualify

The final layer of safety comes in the form of consent. Every Audio Intelligence feature stays opt-in and off by default, which means none of this is activated without a deliberate toggle. That toggle will be found on iPhones with a Secure Exclave, which is every iPhone from 16e onwards. Any model prior to the 16e won't be getting these features, serving as a reminder that there is more to upgrading to the 2026 hardware than miniature aperture blades.

• Redmi 17C 5G will launch in India on October 1st with the same design and specifications as the global model.
• The phone has already launched in Singapore.
• It features a 6.9-inch 120Hz HD+ display, Dimensity 6300 chipset, 50MP rear camera and 6,000mAh battery with 33W charging.

[/highlights]

Redmi has confirmed that the Redmi 17C 5G will launch in India next month, bringing a large-screen budget 5G phone with a 120Hz display and 6,000mAh battery to the market. The phone was launched globally in August, and the Indian version will retain the same design and specifications.

The Redmi 17C has a large, flat rear panel with gently rounded corners and a raised rectangular camera island in the top-left corner. The module houses the 50MP primary camera and LED flash, with a second circular element below the camera. The phone is shown in Dark Night, Coffee Brew and Purple Dawn finishes. The Coffee Brew version has a textured, leather-like appearance, while the other two have a smoother finish.

Redmi 17C India launch details

The Redmi 17C 5G will debut in India on October 1st, as announced by the company. Redmi hasn't revealed the India price or confirmed the configurations that will be sold here. In Singapore, the Redmi 17C 5G costs SGD 279 (around Rs 21,000) for the 4GB + 128GB variant. Xiaomi also lists a 4GB + 64GB version.

The Redmi 17C follows the Redmi 15C 5G, which launched in India in December 2025 at Rs 12,499 for the 4GB + 128GB variant, going right up till Rs 15,499 at launch. The phone now starts at Rs 18,499 while the top model costs Rs 22,499.

Redmi 17C specifications

The Redmi 17C has a 6.9-inch HD+ LCD display with 1600x720 resolution and up to a 120Hz refresh rate. It reaches 810 nits brightness and supports up to 240Hz touch sampling, along with DC dimming, Reading mode and TUV Rheinland eye-comfort certifications. Wet Touch Technology 2.0 allows the screen to register touches with damp, oily or soapy fingers.

It's powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300, paired with 4GB LPDDR4X RAM and up to 128GB UFS 2.2 storage. The phone runs Android 16-based HyperOS 3. The 50MP f/1.8 rear camera is joined by an 8MP selfie camera, with both supporting 1080p and 720p video recording at 30fps.

A 6,000mAh battery with 33W charging powers the phone, while Xiaomi claims it can retain at least 80 percent of its capacity after 1,000 full charge cycles. Other features include IP64 protection, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, FM radio, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, USB Type-C, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a claimed 200 percent volume boost.

Both the Redmi 15C and 17C use the same Dimensity 6300 chipset, 6.9-inch HD+ 120Hz display, 50MP rear and 8MP front cameras, 6,000mAh battery and 33W charging. The 17C does move to Android 16-based HyperOS 3 from Android 15-based HyperOS 2 and adds features such as Wet Touch Technology 2.0 and Bluetooth 5.4. However, the global 17C is listed with only 4GB RAM and up to 128GB storage, while the Indian Redmi 15C was offered with up to 8GB RAM. So there is no obvious performance upgrade here, and the higher memory 15C variants remain relevant if the 17C launches at a significantly higher price.

At the converted Singapore price, the Redmi 17C would be close to the current Indian price of the 8GB + 128GB Redmi 15C. If the 17C launches around the same level, its newer software and additional features could make it the natural choice, but if it is substantially more expensive, the 15C remains relevant because the core hardware, including the chipset, display, cameras and battery, is largely unchanged.

Our review called the Redmi 15C "a good budget pick if you want a big screen and excellent battery life at an affordable price." However, its average cameras, an HD+ LCD panel, and a cluttered software experience held it back. Redmi would need price the phone attractively to gain a competitive advantage.

• Vivo is increasing prices of several smartphones in India by Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 from September 25th, with the X300 FE seeing the biggest hike.
• The Vivo X300 FE now starts at Rs 89,999, while the S2 starts at Rs 42,999 after its first price increase since its August launch.
• The hikes also affect Vivo's Y-series, including the Y51 Pro 5G, Y31t 5G, Y21 5G, Y19s 5G, Y11 5G and Y05.

[/highlights]

Vivo has raised smartphone prices in India from today, September 25th, with several models across its X, S and Y series becoming Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 more expensive. The biggest hike is on the Vivo X300 FE, which now starts at Rs 89,999, while the recently launched Vivo S2 gets its first price increase of up to Rs 4,000.

The price revisions come across multiple segments, making some of Vivo's phones noticeably more expensive than when they launched. Most of the hikes are already visible on Vivo's official website, but third party resellers might offer their own internal discounts, especially during the sale season.

Vivo X300 FE, S2 Y series new prices

The Vivo X300 FE originally launched with only the 12GB+256GB variant at Rs 79,999. Vivo later introduced the 8GB + 256GB version at Rs 84,999 as a lower entry point. The revisions mean the X300 FE has effectively moved Rs 15,000 above its original starting price, while the S2 is now Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 more expensive than its August launch pricing.

Should you buy the phones?

The Vivo X300 FE is a compact 6.31-inch phone with a 1.5K LTPO AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, Zeiss-tuned 50MP primary and periscope cameras, 6,500mAh battery, 90W wired and 40W wireless charging, and IP68/IP69 protection. It weighs around 191 gms and measures 7.99 mm thick, giving it a smaller flagship format that's one of its advantages. The issue is its new price. Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 phones are available in the Rs 60,000 range too, so Rs 89,999 places the X300 FE at a substantial premium for its compact design, cameras, charging and wireless charging. Buyers specifically looking for a smaller camera-focused flagship can still find a reason to pay more, but the new price makes the X300 FE much harder to compare purely on performance.

The S2 has a different proposition. It features a 6.83-inch 1.5K 120Hz curved AMOLED display and a massive 7,050mAh battery, along with 44W charging. It runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 Turbo. The Yivo Y51 Pro 5G uses the same chipset and also focuses on battery life, making the two phones worth comparing more closely now that their prices are Rs 42,999 and Rs 34,999 respectively for the base variants. The S2's Rs 8,000 premium gets buyers a higher-resolution curved AMOLED display, a sharper front camera, a slimmer design though the Y51 Pro has a slightly larger 7,200mAh cell compared to the S2's 7,050mAh one.

The Y-series hikes are smaller in absolute terms, but they matter more in the budget segment, where a Rs 1,000 - Rs 1,500 increase can put a phone directly against models with different chipsets or more memory. Buyers considering the Y11, Y19s, Y21, Y31t or Y51 Pro should therefore compare current street prices with competing phones before paying the new prices.

• Vi has bundled free international roaming with several plans.
• These benefits can be availed in over 170 countries and up to three trips. 
• Depending on your plan, the free international roaming benefits will vary. 

[/highlights]

Vi has announced free international roaming on postpaid, prepaid, and enterprise plans. Now, with select Vi plans, users will get free international roaming benefits without having to pay extra for them. This is possibly one of the biggest benefits you can get, as international roaming plans are quite expensive. Also, this adds convenience to your travel plans since you won't have to purchase an international SIM card. Vi says that with this new offer, consumers will be saving up to Rs 9,000 per year. 

Vi free international roaming benefits

Vi is providing free international roaming with postpaid plans starting at Rs 501, annual prepaid unlimited data plans, and corporate plans starting at Rs 451 (for enterprise consumers). According to Vi, free international roaming will be available for up to three trips a year. It will include benefits like free international data quotas and outgoing minutes. However, these benefits will vary depending on the plan you choose and the circle too. 

Vi Max postpaid plans of 501, 601, 1251, 801/851, 971, 1301/1401, 1651/1775 are the eligible plans that offer free international roaming services. Vi prepaid users can get free international roaming on several annual data plans starting at Rs 2,997 and going up to Rs 4,999. The offer is available for both individual and family plans.

Vi hasn't exactly detailed what the benefits are, but since they're available on several plans, they would be different for each of them. Interested consumers can go to the Vi app or website and look for plans that offer free international roaming benefits. Vi has already updated the eligible plans with the offer, so it should be easy to identify them.

You can still purchase international roaming plans separately, which start at around Rs 649 and go up to Rs 5,999, depending on the country you're travelling to and the duration of your stay. 

If you're a Vi user and frequently travel abroad, it would make sense to get one of the plans that offer free international roaming benefits. As for other telco consumers, switching to Vi might be cost-saving too, instead of having to pay extra. 

FAQs

Is Vi offering free international roaming for all prepaid plans?

No, free international roaming benefits are available only on Vi's annual prepaid data plans. 

What are the free benefits is Vi offering for free?

The benefits include free international data quotas and outgoing minutes. 

Are the benefits the same for every plan?

No, the exact benefits available will vary by plan in terms of number of trips, validity, data quota, SMS, and calling.

Will you get free international roaming benefits for every trip?

Vi has specified up to three trips, so the benefits may not extend beyond a certain number of international trips. You can check the Vi app or website to know the details of each plan and choose the most suitable one. 

• GrapheneOS is open-source software that limits tracking and data extraction from a phone.
• Motorola Signature 27 is the first phone after Google Pixels to support GrapheneOS.
• Motorola Signature 27 features Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 processor and a 200MP periscope lens.

[/highlights]

After Qualcomm released its next-generation flagship chipsets, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series, Motorola quickly gave the world a glimpse of the Signature 27. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, the flagship device is confirmed to support GrapheneOS, an open-source software that deploys technologies to limit apps and websites from tracking and extracting private and vulnerable data from your phone. While it supports Android apps, Google Mobile Services (GMS) are not available by default.

Motorola Signature 27 becomes the first non-Pixel phone to support GrapheneOS

Until now, GrapheneOS ran only on Google Pixel smartphones, particularly phones from the Pixel 6 to Pixel 10 series, because only these phones meet the OS's strict requirements. These include an unlockable bootloader, seven years of guaranteed software updates, and MTE (Memory Tagging Extension), an Arm CPU feature that helps catch memory-safety bugs in hardware. Along with these, it also requires the device to have security measures at the hardware level, such as the Titan M2 coprocessor on the Pixel 10 series.

Back in March 2026, GrapheneOS officially announced in a blog post that it is partnering with Motorola to bring the privacy-focused software to future Motorola phones. This has come to fruition: GrapheneOS answered a query on one of its recent X posts asking whether the Motorola Signature 27 will run GrapheneOS, and replied that it will be supported.

This move could give privacy-oriented users another option besides Google Pixels to run GrapheneOS, that too on bleeding-edge hardware. It also puts Motorola at the forefront as a mobile brand that caters to privacy and security enthusiasts, opening the door for more brands to follow suit.

[caption id="attachment_716468" align="alignnone" width="1176"] GrapheneOS confirms support for Moto Signature 27 on X[/caption]

How GrapheneOS matters and who it's for?

Here are some of the reasons GrapheneOS is renowned for:

• Hardened security: The core software is built to defend against hacking attempts, exploit attacks, and memory vulnerabilities.
• Complete privacy control: Eliminates built-in telemetry, ad tracking, and data collection by default.
• Sandboxed Google Play: Allows you to run Google services and apps in an isolated environment where they cannot spy on the rest of your system or device files.
• Network and sensor toggles: Lets you block network access or disable camera, microphone, and location access for individual apps at the system level.

As for who should install or run GrapheneOS on a supported device such as a Pixel phone or Motorola Signature 27, it's for privacy enthusiasts who don't want to provide their location, usage behaviour, or personal data to app developers and organisations, such as Google, Meta, etc. Security professionals and corporate executives could also find GrapheneOS worth flashing to protect sensitive intellectual property, financial data, or credentials against targeted cyberattacks. Lastly, it's also for everyday users who want a clean, bloatware-free Android experience with strict app permission controls.

Given that GrapheneOS is extremely lightweight with limited background processing, it could offer Moto Signature 27 users a swift UI experience with excellent battery efficiency on top of how powerful it already is thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 with up to 5.01GHz clock speeds. Key specs include a 50MP LYT910 primary camera, a 200MP periscope telephoto lens, Audio by B&O, and an ArcticMesh cooling system.

• Xiaomi has launched the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max in China, while India is reportedly set to get only the 18 Pro this year.
• The Xiaomi 18T is expected to follow in India around March or April 2027, potentially leaving Xiaomi with two key premium models in the country.
• The Xiaomi 18 Pro features a 6.4-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display, dual 200MP cameras, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and a 7,000mAh battery in China.

[/highlights]

Xiaomi has launched the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Xiaomi 18 Pro Max in China, but the company's flagship lineup could look very different in India. According to industry insider Yogesh Brar, via Smartprix, Xiaomi has changed its earlier India launch plans and is now expected to bring only the Xiaomi 18 Pro to the country this year, with the Xiaomi 18T reportedly following early next year.

Xiaomi 18 series in India

The regular Xiaomi 18 and 18 Pro Max are said to have been dropped from the India roadmap, with the 18 Pro potentially arriving by December. The report comes as Xiaomi India has teased the 18 Pro, while Xiaomi has also confirmed that the 18 Pro series will receive a global launch. Interestingly, Xiaomi India's teaser only mentions the 18 Pro, despite the company referring to the global lineup as the "Xiaomi 18 Pro series".

Xiaomi's reported decision would give India a much narrower flagship lineup than China, where the company has launched both the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. The larger Pro Max gets a 6.9-inch display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset and 8,500mAh battery, while the 18 Pro has a more compact 6.4-inch screen and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6.

The strategy is different from that of the previous generation. India received the Xiaomi 17, starting at Rs 89,999, but the Xiaomi 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max did not launch here. Both Pro models featured rear displays, making the 18 Pro's return to the format particularly interesting for Indian buyers.

Xiaomi has also launched a transparent edition of the 18 Pro in China, although there is no confirmation yet that it will reach India. The company seems to be looking to streamline its premium portfolio amid weaker market conditions rather than bring every flagship variant to the country.

The next major India launch could then be the Xiaomi 18T, reportedly scheduled for March or April next year. We're yet to here more details on that.

Xiaomi 18 Pro specifications

The Xiaomi 18 Pro has a 6.4-inch flat LTPO AMOLED display with 1120 x 2436 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 4,000 nits peak brightness. A 2.7-inch LTPO AMOLED rear display also gets a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 4,000 nits brightness. The phone is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, paired with 12GB or 16GB RAM and 256GB, 512GB or 1TB storage. Its Leica-branded camera setup includes a 200MP primary camera with OIS, a 200MP periscope telephoto with OIS and 3.2x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. A 50MP camera handles selfies.

The China version packs a 7,000mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging, while global versions are tipped to get 6,000mAh batteries. It also gets Wi-Fi 7, UWB, USB 3.2 Gen 1, stereo speakers, an independent AI button and IP68 protection. The phone runs Android 17 with HyperOS 4.

Another notable addition is Super Pixel Display 2.0, Xiaomi's hardware-based privacy display technology. It uses dedicated privacy pixels and physical baffles to restrict the viewing angle. Samsung introduced the concept with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, while Huawei has also brought hardware-based display privacy to the Mate XT 2.

For Indian buyers, the 18 Pro's biggest question may ultimately be its price. With the Xiaomi 17 already starting at Rs 89,999 and flagship component costs rising, the 18 Pro could cross the Rs 1 lakh mark. Buyers interested in Xiaomi's highest-end hardware will therefore have to weigh the 18 Pro's rear display and dual 200MP camera setup against its expected premium pricing, while those willing to wait could have the 18T as another option early next year.

• Samsung Wallet UPI payments can be made with the fingerprint sensor now.
• It supports transactions up to Rs 10,000.
• This feature doesn't require entering the UPI PIN. 

[/highlights]

Samsung has introduced a new feature for Samsung Wallet users in India that allows them to make UPI payments using their phone's fingerprint sensor. With the feature, users can authorise UPI transactions of up to Rs 10,000 without entering their UPI PIN. Samsung Wallet joins a long line of payment apps in India that support biometric authentication like PhonePe, CRED, and Paytm. However, most of these apps have a transaction limit of Rs 5,000 using fingerprint or Face ID. 

Samsung Wallet UPI payments using fingerprint

The new feature uses on-device biometric authentication to verify the user before completing an eligible UPI payment. This means users can simply authenticate with their registered fingerprint instead of entering their UPI PIN, making payments quicker and more convenient. Samsung says the feature can also help reduce transaction failures caused by incorrectly entered UPI PINs. Since the authentication happens on the device, users do not need to enter their PIN in public, which can also help protect it from being observed by others.

Samsung Wallet is protected by the in-house Knox security platform, with fingerprint recognition and encryption used to secure sensitive information. Data stored in the Wallet is kept in a secure environment designed to protect it against digital and physical attacks.

The Rs 10,000 limit applies to payments that can be authorised using the fingerprint-based method. UPI payments above the applicable limit will continue to require the usual authentication process.

Beyond UPI payments, Samsung Wallet supports contactless payments using tokenised credit and debit cards, utility bill payments, and the storage of digital keys, boarding passes, tickets, and ID cards.

The new fingerprint authentication makes Samsung Wallet more convenient for frequent UPI transactions. It also adds another layer of convenience compared with the traditional UPI PIN-based process. Galaxy users who already use Samsung Wallet for cards, tickets, or other digital credentials can benefit more, as they can now handle eligible UPI payments without entering a PIN each time.

Another advantage that Samsung Wallet has is the transaction limit set at Rs 10,000, which is more than what other apps provide. If you're a Galaxy user making frequent UPI payments, especially those above Rs 5,000, this update makes Samsung Wallet a compelling option to switch to immediately.

Beyond AI Slop

Addressing concerns over consumer fatigue with generic AI-generated content, Chris drew a clear line between gimmick content generation and genuine task-based assistance.

As per Chris, "Users perceive the difference between AI for content creation versus AI working to help you actually do a task,". He shared a personal example of spending nearly 30 minutes battling enterprise security profiles just to transfer contact details from a work email to a family member. "Why wasn't I spending that 20 minutes at the beach swimming instead? Because my phone wasn't smart enough yet... I didn't have an intelligence layer running on top that could handle that."

On the question of user trust and data sharing, Patrick emphasised that local, on-device processing is essential for give-and-take context sharing. While user attitudes toward privacy vary globally, local processing allows users to retain granular control over sensitive information, such as banking or emails, without being forced to send personal data to external cloud servers.

8 Elite vs. 8 Elite Extreme: the dual-flagship strategy

Qualcomm's decision to launch two flagship platforms: the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and the top-tier 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, turned out to be a major topic of discussion.

At some point during the discussion, a bunch of us cornered Chris on the two-tier approach. On being asked whether this tiering would confuse buyers or create a fragmented experience for on-device AI agents. Chris clarified that core agentic experiences and daily responsiveness remain largely consistent across both platforms. The Extreme tier is specifically targeted at high-end media creation, pro gaming, and heavy throughput requirements. The standard version delivers the same 2nm architecture, custom Oryon CPU peak speeds up to 5.0GHz, and primary agentic capabilities, while allowing phone brands to offer top-tier performance across a wider variety of price points.

Always-on agents and cloud economics

When asked how continuous background tasks, such as live transcription or contextual indexing, impact battery health and thermals, Chris highlighted Qualcomm's low-power architecture.

The 8 Elite generation incorporates a dedicated Low Power Island (LPI) subsystem equipped with dual always-on micro-NPUs (part of the AI-Micro engine). These tiny micro-NPUs handle continuous context gathering in the background at minimal milliwatt power draw, keeping the primary high-throughput Hexagon NPU sleeping until heavy compute is needed.

Qualcomm executives also pointed to shifting cloud economics as a key driver for local processing. As AI providers begin throttling free tier usage or imposing token paywalls, running heavy workloads directly on the device shields consumers from recurring subscription costs while reducing operational expenses for smartphone makers.

Future-proof hardware?

With Android OEMs extending OS support commitments to seven years, there were some concerns raised over whether 2026 hardware will become an AI bottleneck as models advance rapidly.

Chris countered by comparing mobile SoCs to PC GPUs and automobiles. Qualcomm designs its NPUs as highly programmable vector engines rather than single-function fixed hardware. He mentioned Qualcomm's 2023 demo of Stable Diffusion as an example, which ran smoothly on hardware originally architected back in 2021 before large generative models were mainstream.

"A car seven years later won't be as fuel-efficient as the newest car released that year, but it still gets you where you need to go". While future AI models will naturally demand more horsepower, highly programmable chip architectures ensure that older devices remain fully capable of executing daily tasks and applications throughout their extended lifespan.

Disclosure: this writer attended Snapdragon Summit in Maui on Qualcomm India's invitation

1. Welcoming the Agentic AI era with open arms

AI is rapidly moving from reactive to proactive, and chatbots are growing up into personalised agents that learn and adapt to user needs over time. The reengineered Hexagon NPU promises to up the ante in this aspect, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 claiming significant improvements in on-device AI performance. The Extreme version also incorporates a new Hexagon Element Accelerator along with 50 percent larger shared memory that can run 30B+ parameter models on-device. The key lies in aspects such as continuous low-power context comprehension and automated task execution that enable these agents to work autonomously and keep working in the background 24 x 7 to handle tasks.

2. Breaking the 5.0GHz barrier

With peak CPU clock speeds of up to 5.0GHz, the new custom-built 64-bit Oryon CPUs are the fastest yet, and the 2nm process node promises to be extremely efficient too. The energy efficiency gains combined with raw computing power combine to offer seamless multitasking and run heavy apps with buttery-smooth usage. And based on the early benchmark tests that were run on the sidelines of the Summit, it looks like Qualcomm will be able to deliver on the promise.

3. Elevating photography and videography

With support for 8K video at 60fps and 4K slo-mo at 240fps, the Extreme tier of the new chipset also introduces Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec support. The Qualcomm Spectra ISP boasts Motion Intelligence, 3D LUT support and Intelligent Pixel Control, which translate into cinema-grade video capabilities that should appeal to creators. OEMs will be looking to harness these capabilities to differentiate their offerings from rivals, which is crucial given how critical the photography aspect is, how it has remained one of the core aspects for product differentiation, and the competitive landscape that demands more with each new iteration.

4. Gaming that can rival consoles

Thanks to the new Adreno GPU that includes dedicated AI matrix cores embedded directly inside the graphics engine, and Adreno Neural Fusion Tech that makes use of AI for hardware-level super-resolution, frame generation and ray tracing, the all-important gaming use case should reap the benefits. The 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 SoC is the one to look out for, since it includes 18MB of High-Performance Memory. The promise here is sustained high frame rates, with minimal thermal throwing and battery drain, a combination that serious gamers covet for long gaming sessions. We're talking lifelike visuals with smoothness and gameplay that could finally take on dedicated gaming consoles.

5. Moving the needle from 5G to 6G

5G is old news and 6G is on the horizon, with AI being the key pillar enhancing connectivity. The Qualcomm X105 Modem-RF charts the route, featuring FastConnect 8800 that uses AI to take wireless connectivity to the next level, covering both Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth. As we move into the Agentic AI era, connectivity will be super important for all the promised goodies to turn into reality.

6. Dual-tier strategy

Many discussions at the Snapdragon Summit 2026 revolved around the dual-tier strategy Qualcomm has adopted this time by splitting its flagship mobile SoC offerings into two. There's the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, and its more accomplished cousin that takes on the Extreme moniker. There was a lot of talk about how the chipmaker will differentiate these two SoCs and make consumers aware of the differences and advantages offered by both. A lot of the onus would be on OEMs who'd likely use these SoCs to position their smartphones in a way that allows them to address broader audiences globally, courtesy the flexibility this two-tier approach offers. My sense is that this is something that would require careful strategy, both by Qualcomm and the brand OEMs, to ensure that potential buyers make informed decisions before hitting the buy button,

Closing thoughts

AI is advancing at breakneck speed, and hardware has to keep up with the pace to ensure there are no bottlenecks. Gamers hanker for sustained frame rates, creators want cinema-like videos and photos, power users demand enough grunt that enables them to jump between a bunch of apps seamlessly and stay connected wherever life takes them, and smartphone manufacturers want SoCs that help them supercharge their offerings and make them compelling enough to lure new buyers. The so-called Agentic AI era is aiming to twist the traditional app-first approach on its head and delegate enough power to these agents (or assistants) that can perform tasks on your behalf, with your knowledge and consent of course, and without compromising on privacy. Many brands are also offering up to 7 years of software support on their premium flagship smartphones, and the hardware has to be future-proof to a level where these devices continue to be useful and offer enough value. All of this seems to be coming together in the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Elite Extreme Gen 6 in a way that looks quite exciting. Can't wait.

Disclosure: This writer attended the Snapdragon Summit in Maui on Qualcomm India's invitation

• Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Transparent Editions launch at CNY 9,999 and CNY 10,999, respectively, with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage.
• Both phones feature a red textured transparent design, while the limited-edition Watch S5 uses a transparent glass body.
• The Transparent Editions retain the same hardware as the standard Xiaomi 18 Pro models.

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Transparent phones have made a comeback in recent years, but the trend has largely been concentrated outside the premium segment. Nothing turned exposed-looking internals into a defining part of its phones, while similar treatments have since appeared across more affordable devices. Xiaomi has now brought the idea back to the flagship end with Transparent Special Editions of the Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max after teasing it hours before the event, accompanied by a limited-edition transparent Watch S5.

The launch marks a return to familiar territory for Xiaomi. The company previously offered transparent versions of the Mi 8 and Mi 9 series, followed by the Mi 10 Ultra Transparent Edition in 2020, but hasn't used the treatment on one of its flagship phones since.

Xiaomi 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max Transparent Edition price, design and specifications

The Xiaomi 18 Pro Transparent Special Edition costs CNY 9,999 (around Rs 1.43 lakh), while the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max version is priced at CNY 10,999 (around Rs 1.57 lakh). Both come exclusively with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage.

Despite the name, these aren't simply clear-backed versions of the regular phones. Xiaomi has used a red textured finish created through a micron-level film process to produce a three-dimensional embossed effect. Custom wallpapers on the main and rear displays then recreate the appearance of internal components, extending the transparent theme into the software. Even the bundled charging brick and cable get matching transparent-red treatments. The execution is therefore different from Nothing's exposed-looking industrial aesthetic. Xiaomi is instead using transparency as a special-edition design theme, while connecting the phones to its older transparent flagships.

Underneath the new finishes, the phones are identical to their standard counterparts. Both feature 1-120Hz OLED displays with rear secondary screens and triple Leica-branded cameras comprising 200MP main, 200MP 3.2x periscope and 50MP ultra-wide sensors. The Xiaomi 18 Pro uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and a 7,000mAh battery, while the Pro Max gets the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 and an 8,500mAh battery. Both support 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.

Xiaomi Watch S5 Transparent Edition

The Watch S5 Transparent Edition costs CNY 2,499 (around Rs 36,000) and is limited to 5,000 units. Its transparent treatment is more structural - the 47mm octagonal body uses Xiaomi's Dragon Crystal Glass 3.0, allowing parts of the internal structure to remain visible through the middle frame. A brushed stainless-steel bezel provides reinforcement and contrast.

Xiaomi says each case requires 20 manufacturing processes, including 240 minutes of CNC machining and 800 minutes of polishing. The glass has a claimed hardness of 810 HV0.05 and is designed to avoid the yellowing associated with some transparent plastics and resins.

These editions are primarily a design purchase rather than a hardware upgrade. Buyers interested purely in specifications lose nothing by choosing the standard models, while the Transparent Editions are aimed at those willing to pay extra for a more distinctive flagship. More broadly, Xiaomi's return to the concept suggests transparent design may no longer be confined mainly to mid-range phones, especially as brands look for ways to make increasingly similar flagship slabs visually distinctive.

• Qualcomm has launched Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 with stronger on-device AI.
• The new platform delivers up to 2x AI performance with lower power consumption.
• Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 supports earbuds, audio glasses and camera-enabled wearables.

[/highlights]

Qualcomm has announced the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 Platform, a new platform for audio wearables that combines high-quality sound with on-device AI and low-power connectivity. It is designed for a new generation of earbuds, headphones, audio glasses and even camera-enabled wearables that can respond to users and their surroundings in real time. Here is what the new platform brings to the table.

Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 focuses on AI-powered audio

The new platform delivers up to 2x greater AI capability than the previous generation, allowing multiple AI tasks to run at the same time. Qualcomm also claims up to 40 percent lower power consumption and a 30 percent smaller footprint, which should help manufacturers build smaller wearables without giving up much battery life.

One of the bigger changes is the addition of micro-power Wi-Fi 6E, which lets compatible wearables connect directly to the cloud without depending entirely on a paired smartphone. Qualcomm says this could allow users to access AI assistants and other services directly from the wearable, while also making it easier to add new features over time.

The platform is designed for more than just listening to music. Qualcomm highlights use cases such as real-time translation, contextual assistance, personalised hearing and multimodal AI, where audio can work together with information from cameras and other sensors.

Better sound and clearer voice capture

Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 also builds upon Qualcomm's existing audio technologies. It supports aptX Lossless for high-quality wireless audio and XPAN for extending connectivity beyond the limits of traditional Bluetooth.

Qualcomm has also upgraded its audio processing with fifth-generation ANC, cVc technology and support for more advanced microphone setups. These improvements should help devices block out background noise more effectively and pick up the user's voice more clearly, which becomes increasingly important when wearables have to interact with AI assistants.

The new Snapdragon Audio Sense Solution also combines microphones with dedicated algorithms to help devices better understand both the user's voice and surrounding sounds. This could be especially useful for wearables that need to react to what is happening around the user rather than simply play audio.

Qualcomm says Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 will support a wide range of designs, including earbuds, headphones, open-ear and hybrid devices, audio glasses and camera-enabled earbuds. The company also sees the platform being used in future multimodal wearables that combine audio, vision and AI.

What products can we expect from Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2?

Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 moves the platform beyond regular earbuds and headphones. Qualcomm says it will support earbuds, headphones, open-ear devices, audio glasses and camera-enabled wearables, with AI, voice processing and low-power Wi-Fi built into the platform.

We have already seen parts of this with Snapdragon Sound products such as the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, which uses XPAN for Wi-Fi-based audio connectivity, while products such as the EarFun Air Pro 4+ show the platform's focus on sound quality and call clarity.

With Elite Gen 2, Qualcomm is now targeting more advanced use cases such as real-time translation, contextual AI assistance and personalised hearing. Camera-equipped wearables could also adopt this by combining what a user hears with what they see, while direct Wi-Fi connectivity could allow these devices to access AI services without relying as heavily on a phone.

Qualcomm wants earbuds and other audio wearables to become everyday AI interfaces, rather than devices mainly used for listening to music and taking calls. If that is achievable, and if so, how long it will take to happen remains to be seen. 

• The 1TB and 2TB iPhone 18 Pro models reportedly use QLC storage, while the 256GB and 512GB variants use faster TLC flash.
• Homolab found sustained write speeds on the QLC storage could fall to 79.4MB/s, with dips as low as 25.6MB/s after the caches fill up.
• The storage difference is unlikely to affect everyday use but could matter during large file transfers, 4K/ProRes recording and backup restores.

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Apple's highest-capacity iPhone 18 Pro models appear to be making an unusual storage trade-off. The 1TB and 2TB versions reportedly use slower QLC flash memory, unlike the 256GB and 512GB models, which use faster TLC memory. Tests suggest the difference can become significant when the phone is handling large amounts of data continuously, although it is unlikely to affect everyday tasks.

This is also a change from last year's iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, which used TLC storage across their 1TB and 2TB configurations.

iPhone 18 Pro storage slows down once caches fill up

The difference comes down to how much data each type of flash cell can store. TLC stores three bits of data per cell, while QLC stores four. QLC allows manufacturers to fit more storage into the same physical space, potentially reducing the cost and footprint of high-capacity storage, but the trade-off is lower sustained performance.

According to tests by Bilibili channel Homolab, the 1TB iPhone 18 Pro Max uses QLC storage with multiple layers of caching designed to mask that limitation. When the phone is writing data, it first uses an SLC cache that can reach around 3,000MB/s. Once that fills, writing moves to a TLC cache at around 578MB/s. After both caches are exhausted, the phone writes directly to the underlying QLC storage.

At that point, sustained write speeds reportedly fall to 79.4MB/s, with dips as low as 25.6MB/s. The situation becomes more pronounced as the storage fills up. At 60 percent capacity, Homolab measured the SLC cache at just 58GB, while direct QLC writes reportedly averaged around 45MB/s and could briefly fall to 1.1MB/s.

Apple hasn't explained the change, so the reason remains speculative. One likely factor is the rising cost and supply pressure around NAND flash and other memory components, particularly as Apple expands the iPhone's higher-capacity storage options. QLC can provide more storage density, potentially allowing Apple to produce 1TB and 2TB models more efficiently without increasing the physical space allocated to NAND.

There is another practical consideration: most users will not continuously write hundreds of gigabytes of data. The SLC and TLC caches can therefore hide much of QLC's slower underlying speed during normal use. That could allow Apple to offer larger storage capacities without a noticeable difference for typical users. However, it's worth noting that this is an inference, not a reason Apple has officially given.

Does the slower storage matter in everyday use?

The QLC model was also reportedly 38 percent slower in 4K random reads than the 512GB TLC model at low queue depths. The difference narrowed to 12 percent under heavier workloads, but the QLC version remained slower. These are synthetic tests that deliberately stress the storage, so most users browsing, messaging, gaming or taking regular photos are unlikely to notice the difference. The trade-off is more relevant to people recording 4K or ProRes video, transferring very large files or restoring large backups.

For most buyers, the extra capacity of the 1TB and 2TB models will matter more than the underlying NAND type. However, professionals paying a premium for the highest-capacity iPhone may want to factor in the storage technology too, especially if their reason for buying 1TB or 2TB is to handle large files rather than simply keep more photos and apps on the phone.

• Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 series starts at Rs 29,990.
• The headphone features a new and compact design.
• The new Sennheiser products will be available for purchase on October 1st. 

[/highlights]

Sennheiser has launched its latest flagship audio lineup in India, which includes headphones and a TWS. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless headphones and MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 TWS have launched in India for under Rs 40,000. The new Sennheiser products come with Dolby Atmos, advanced ANC, and user-replaceable batteries. 

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless series price in India

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless headphones are priced at Rs 39,990. The MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 is priced at Rs 29,990. The MOMENTUM 5 Wireless is available in Black and Denim, while the True Wireless 5 comes in Graphite, Cream, Copper, Denim, and Lavender.

Both products can be pre-ordered starting today via Sennheiser's official website, leading online platforms, offline stores, and outlets. Some pre-order benefits include a complimentary Sennheiser BTD 600 Bluetooth USB dongle, worth Rs 5,990. The official sale starts on October 1st. 

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless series: what's on offer?

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless 

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless headphones feature HD 600-inspired 42mm drivers, Dolby Atmos spatial tracking, and Lossless codec support. The headphones come with an 8-microphone hybrid ANC system, which is said to deliver up to 3x stronger midrange noise suppression over its predecessor, the MOMENTUM 4.

In terms of battery life, the MOMENTUM 5 is said to last for up to 57 hours on a single charge. It also supports fast charging. You also get replaceable batteries and ear pads with the MOMENTUM 5. The new Sennheiser headphone competes directly with the Sony WH-1000XM6, which is priced the same and also offers similar features. 

Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 is a pair of wireless earbuds featuring a compact design, different from its predecessor, the True Wireless 4. The ear wings are gone, and now you have a cleaner design, which personally looks much better. The TWS comes with TrueResponse transducers delivering 24-bit/96kHz high-res audio and Dolby Atmos 3D sound. It's also equipped with a hybrid adaptive ANC system, which is said to counter both ambient noise and wind. There's a Natural Transparency mode too, which keeps you aware of your surroundings. 

Like the headphones, the TWS also comes with user-replaceable batteries, which means they're secure for long-term use. It also features an expanded mic array, AI speech enhancement, and a new 8-band EQ with customisable features, which can be accessed in the app. 

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless headphones are a flagship product and are meant for buyers who want a premium audio product. If premium and pricey headphones with good audio quality and ANC are your priorities, the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless can be considered. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 are also a highly premium option for TWS, but you might want to check alternatives from brands like Sony and Bose that are more affordable and offer similar features. 

• Vivo S2 FE could launch alongside the Vivo V80, which is debuting on October 6th in India.
• The Vivo S2 FE 6GB + 128GB variant is tipped to have a Rs 39,999 box price.
• The phone is tipped to feature a 10,000mAh battery and Dimensity 7300e chipset. 

[/highlights]

Vivo recently revived the S-series in India with the launch of the Vivo S2 in August. The company is now preparing to add another phone to the series, with the Vivo S2 FE reportedly lined up for an India launch alongside the Vivo V80. The latter is already confirmed to arrive in the country next month, while the S2 FE has yet to be officially acknowledged by Vivo. A new leak has now revealed details about the unannounced phone, including its expected price and specifications.

Vivo S2 FE India launch and price tipped

According to information shared by a tipster on X , the Vivo S2 FE could launch alongside the Vivo V80, which is confirmed to debut in India on October 6th. He has also shared images and specifications of the phone, showing it in black and green finishes. Further, Xpertpick has shared the box price and colour options, reportedly named Stellar Green, Zen White and Titan Black.

The 6GB+128GB variant is said to have a box price of Rs 39,999. This is the maximum retail price rather than necessarily the phone's actual selling price, so the eventual retail price could be lower. The Vivo S2 was launched at Rs 39,999, so the FE variant will be a couple of thousands cheaper than that.

Vivo S2 FE specifications

The Vivo S2 FE is tipped to feature a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2,000 nits HBM brightness. It could be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300e (revealed on Geekbench), paired with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. A 3,800 sq mm VC cooling system is also expected. The biggest hardware highlight is expected to be a 10,000mAh battery, supported by 44W charging. The phone is reportedly 8.75 mm thick and weighs 225 gms despite the large battery, while IP68 and IP69 ratings would provide stronger water and dust protection.

The camera setup could include a 50MP Sony IMX852 primary sensor and a 2MP secondary camera, with a 32MP front camera. Vivo is also tipped to provide three years of OS updates and five years of security updates.

The specifications closely resemble those of the Vivo V80 Lite 5G, which launched in Malaysia with a Dimensity 7300e, 10,000mAh battery, 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED display and 44W charging. The S2 FE could potentially be a reworked version of that phone for India, but that connection remains unconfirmed.

Like all other smartphones from all other brands, the Vivo S2 FE is making battery endurance the more important part of its pitch and relatively compromising on performance. However, pricing will be key as even 10,000mAh phones like the Realme P4 Power are available below Rs 30,000 in India. However, the Vivo S2 FE might have a slimmer profile than the Realme phone, so those worried about ergonomics might find it to be the safer pick.

• The Mivi One 5G goes on sale on Flipkart in early October.
• The brand claims to have opened 500 service centres across India.
• The Mivi One 5G competes against the Lava Virat V1 5G under Rs 15,000.

[/highlights]

Mivi has officially unveiled the Mivi One 5G in India, the brand's first-ever smartphone after catering to the audio products segment for over a decade. Packing a 5G Snapdragon processor under Rs 15,000, the phone aims to deliver fast internet speeds at an affordable price in a stylish, trendy colourway. The phone directly competes with the recently released Bollt Ace 5G, a smartphone from yet another Indian-based brand known for selling smartwatches and audio products.

Mivi One 5G price, availability, sale

The Mivi One 5G starts at Rs 12,999 for the base 4GB RAM and 128GB storage and goes up to 8GB RAM. The phone comes in Blue, Burgundy, Green, Dark Blue, and Pink.

The smartphone goes on sale on October 8th on Flipkart, coinciding with the platform's upcoming Big Billion Days sale 2026. As part of the launch offers, the company is offering an instant Rs 1,000 off to Axis, HDFC, ICICI, and SBI Bank cardholders.

Mivi One 5G specifications and features

The Mivi One 5G flaunts a 6.75-inch IPS LCD display with HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. While budget-oriented phones are notorious for limiting peak refresh rates to first-party apps, a high-refresh-rate panel ensures smooth scrolling in various scenarios.

The device runs on the 4nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, the only phone to carry a Snapdragon chipset under Rs 15,000, since most brands have started relying on Unisoc processors for 5G. While the processor may be several years old, it outputs 478,134 score on the AnTuTu benchmark. Since we last tested the Vivo Y300 with this chipset on an older AnTuTu version, the phone may score higher in today's test.

For optics, the Mivi One gains a Samsung ISOCELL 50MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and an 8MP front camera. At this price, expect modest camera results, while the selfie camera may be suitable for video calls. A 6,000mAh battery powers the phone, packed into a 9.15mm-thick body, with up to 18W fast charging support, and the adapter is bundled with the phone. The phone runs Android 16 out of the box with no bloatware and is promised two OS upgrades.

Mivi Care+ service

To make its first smartphone launch more attractive, Mivi will offer Mivi Care+ free with the purchase of the Mivi One. This service ensures users receive after-sales support from the comfort of their home: if any issue arises, the company will arrange the phone's pickup, repair it, and send it back to the customer. Similarly, there's a seven-day replacement period if repairs aren't completed within the designated timelines. Mivi has set up 500 service centres across India, likely in tie-ups with authorised service providers. This is meant to build buyer trust, since people may hesitate to buy from a brand that has just entered the smartphone market.

Should you buy the Mivi One 5G when it goes on sale?

One of the biggest highlights of the Mivi One is its 128GB base storage across all variants. This gives it a major advantage over the Lava Virat V1 5G, which is currently offering 4GB RAM and 64GB storage at Rs 13,499. If you're looking for a 5G budget smartphone, the Mivi One 5G could be worth a look for its large 6,000mAh battery and clean, bloatware-free software, as long as you're okay investing in a debutant brand.

• The iPad Air M4 gets an 11-inch Liquid Retina Display with Apple Pencil support.
• The Amazon Great Indian Festival sale begins October 8th.
• The iPad Air M4's price was recently hiked from Rs 64,900 to Rs 89,900.

[/highlights]

After announcing the Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale 2026 start date, the e-commerce platform has officially begun teasing deals. With Apple products typically generating high interest, the iPad Air M4 (review) is set to be sold for under Rs 69,999 during the sale, giving buyers a powerful machine for heavy multitasking and an entertainment experience on a large yet portable screen. The iPad Air M4 is currently listed for Rs 89,900 on Amazon India.

iPad Air M4 deal for Amazon GIF Sale 2026

Per multiple deal accounts on X, Amazon has put up a banner under the Great Indian Festival Sale 2026 header, revealing that the Apple iPad Air M4 will be available at "Rs 6_ ,_ _ _" down from Rs 89,990 for the 128GB base variant. While the exact deal details aren't known, the device could be priced at Rs 69,999 or less.

On top of this, Amazon has already confirmed that SBI credit and debit cardholders can get an 10 percent instant discount on EMI and non-EMI transactions, while Prime members can enjoy up to 10 percent extra discount on their purchases made during the Great Indian Festival.

Apple launched the iPad Air M4 in March this year at Rs 64,900. However, Apple hiked the tablet's price to Rs 89,900 at the end of June. So the upcoming Amazon sale could be a great opportunity to grab the iPad Air if you couldn't earlier.

What the iPad Air M4 offers

The iPad Air M4 features Apple's M4 chip with 12GB of RAM, a 9-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. It comes with an 11-inch Liquid Retina display with a 2360 × 1640 resolution and 60Hz refresh rate. For power users and heavy multitaskers, the iPad should offer enough power to run several apps at a time, play high-intensity games, and edit videos on the go. The iPad Air also supports Apple Pencil for creators, artists, and designers to sketch, draw, and jot down diagrams quickly.

However, the 60Hz refresh rate may not deliver a smooth scrolling experience, and the 128GB storage on the base variant could feel limiting down the road when you install many apps and load tons of media. As an alternative, if you're not deep into the Apple ecosystem, the OnePlus Pad 4 may offer better value at Rs 62,999, the current non-offer price listed on Amazon. It offers the equally capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and a massive 13.2-inch LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate.

• OnePlus 16 will feature a 200MP primary camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor, alongside 50MP periscope and ultrawide cameras.
• OnePlus is adding Master Mode, High-Pixel Mode and 65:24 Widescreen Mode for more control over image output.
• The OnePlus 16 is set to launch in China in October while India and global availability remains unconfirmed.

[/highlights]

The OnePlus 16 is due for launch in a few days and fans have reason to cheer as the rumoured camera upgrade is now official. OnePlus has confirmed a 200MP primary sensor and new professional imaging modes for its new flagship, which should remove, at least on paper, the underwhelming camera complaints associated with the OnePlus 15. The details arrive a day after the upcoming flagship appeared on AnTuTu with a score of over 5.38 million, indicating the expected performance gains from its new Snapdragon chipset. The camera system suggests OnePlus is also emphasising imaging equally with its next-generation flagship.

The OnePlus 16 is expected to be announced in China in October. OnePlus has already confirmed its chipset and display, while other specifications have emerged through certifications and leaks.

OnePlus 16 camera specifications

The company has confirmed the OnePlus 16 will feature a 200MP primary camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor and f/1.6 aperture. It will be accompanied by a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and 6x lossless zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide camera with a 116-degree field of view. The front camera is also a 50MP unit with autofocus.

The move to a 200MP main camera is the biggest change from the OnePlus 15, which has a triple 50MP rear camera setup. The OnePlus 16 also introduces a periscope telephoto camera and retains 50MP resolution for the ultrawide and front cameras. Alongside the hardware changes, OnePlus is adding three new imaging modes - Master Mode, which is designed for a film-inspired look and more natural light rendering; High-Pixel Mode, focused on detail and clarity; and 65:24 Widescreen Mode, which uses a much wider aspect ratio for a cinematic look. The OnePlus 15 was criticised for hardware downgrades, the end of the Hasselblad partnership, and inconsistent real-world photo processing and the company would hope to remove that impression now.

The upgrades (via) give OnePlus more room to compete with camera-focused flagships from Samsung, Xiaomi and Vivo, particularly in high-resolution photography and long-range shots. However, the 200MP specification alone will not determine image quality, and OnePlus will still need to get the processing right to translate the hardware upgrade into consistently better photos.

OnePlus 16 specifications

The camera announcement comes a day after the OnePlus 16 appeared on AnTuTu with a 5.38 million score. The tested configuration included the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB UFS 4.1 storage and Android 17-based ColorOS 17. The listing showed a 185Hz refresh rate, although OnePlus has officially confirmed a 165Hz display.

The phone is also expected to pack a 9,000mAh battery, a sizeable increase over the OnePlus 15's 7,300mAh battery. China's 3C certification has confirmed 100W wired charging, while 50W wireless charging is expected to be retained.

For OnePlus 15 owners, the camera is among the bigger changes in the new model, rather than a routine resolution bump. The larger primary sensor, periscope telephoto and new shooting modes give the OnePlus 16 a broader imaging toolkit. Buyers considering it, however, will need to wait for its China pricing and eventual global availability, which remains unconfirmed, to see how that upgrade compares with rival camera flagships.

• Google Fitbit Air could launch in India on October 2nd, with pricing tipped at Rs 12,999-Rs 13,999.
• The screenless fitness tracker features heart-rate, SpO2 and skin-temperature sensors, 5ATM water resistance and up to seven days of battery life.
• The tracker was launched in the US in May and confirmed in August that it'll launch in India in October.

[/highlights]

Update: The Fitbit Air is now listed with a "coming soon" tag on Flipkart in India at Rs 13,999 in multiple colour options. However, we still don't know the official sale date.

Original story follows...

Screenless fitness trackers are increasingly becoming a more visible alternative to smartwatches, and Google entered the category this year with the Fitbit Air. The wearable does away with the display altogether, instead focusing on passive health and fitness tracking through the connected smartphone. Google had earlier confirmed that the Fitbit Air will launch in India in October, and a new leak now claims to have revealed the launch date and expected price.

Fitbit Air India launch date, price tipped

According to tipster Sanju Choudhary, the Fitbit Air could launch in India on October 2nd, with an expected price of Rs 12,999 to Rs 13,999. Google hasn't confirmed either detail yet. The company confirmed the India launch during its Pixel 11 launch event in August, but stopped short of revealing the exact date or Indian pricing.

The tracker also reportedly started appearing at retail stores back then only in August. Images shared online show what appears to be the Fitbit Air in black, blue and red variants, while one retailer is said to be selling it for around Rs 16,000. Notably, there are some listings of the Fitbit Air on Amazon India but they aren't being sold via authorised sellers.

For context, the Fitbit Air starts at USD 99.99 (around Rs 9,600) in the US, while the Stephen Curry Special Edition costs USD 129.99 (around Rs 12,500).

Fitbit Air specifications and features

The Fitbit Air is quite different from Fitbit's earlier fitness bands and smartwatches because there's no screen or buttons. The small pebble-shaped module uses haptic feedback and a status light, while health data, activity reports and coaching features are viewed through the Google Health app.

The tracker is tipped to feature an optical heart-rate sensor, SpO2 and skin-temperature sensors, along with a three-axis accelerometer and gyroscope. It also has a vibration motor and 5ATM water resistance. Battery life is rated at up to seven days, with magnetic charging. Google says the device supports 24/7 heart-rate and heart-rhythm tracking, AFib alerts, HRV, resting heart rate, sleep-stage tracking and automatic workout detection.

Unlike an Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch, it's not designed for users who want notifications, apps or live workout metrics on their wrist. At the same time, it offers a simpler entry point into screenless tracking than Whoop or Oura, particularly for users who do not want a recurring subscription for basic health tracking.

If the tipped Rs 12,999 - Rs 13,999 price turns out to be accurate, the Fitbit Air will therefore be aimed at people prioritising continuous health and sleep tracking over smartwatch functionality. Buyers looking for a screen and real-time exercise data would have more reason to consider a conventional fitness band or smartwatch instead.

• Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max both feature a privacy display.
• The 18 Pro Max houses an 8,500mAh battery.
• Both phones also come with rear displays. 

[/highlights]

Xiaomi 18 Pro series has made its debut in China as the company's latest set of flagship smartphones. The lineup includes two phones: Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. Both phones come with Leica cameras, secondary rear displays, and Qualcomm's latest flagship chipsets. Xiaomi has even added a privacy display on the 18 Pro series that prevents others from peeking at your screen. 

In addition to the China debut, Xiaomi has also confirmed the 18 Pro series will be available globally. Xiaomi India's X handle also posted the global launch announcement, suggesting the flagship lineup is headed here too. 

Xiaomi 18 Pro Max specifications

Xiaomi 18 Pro Max is the more premium model of the two, and it differentiates itself with its large 6.9-inch (2624 x 1208 pixels) OLED display that supports 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, up to 4,000 nits peak brightness, Xiaomi's Super Pixel 2.0 and M11 OLED technologies. Xiaomi has also equipped the phone with a privacy layer that will prevent others from seeing what's on your screen from the side and also protects sensitive apps and content. The rear display is a 2.9-inch screen on the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max, which also has a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 4,000 nits brightness. It displays notifications, quick controls, mini-games, and AI-generated custom cards.

Powering the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max is the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage. This is Qualcomm's fastest mobile chipset yet, designed to deliver significant performance improvements over its predecessor. The handset is also equipped with a 5,513 mm² heat dissipation area for cooling when gaming or doing intensive tasks. 

For photography, the 18 Pro Max houses a Leica-branded camera setup featuring a 200MP primary camera, a 200MP periscope telephoto lens with 3.2x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultra-wide camera. Xiaomi has upgraded the primary and telephoto cameras from the 17 Pro Max. The 200MP camera with 3.2x optical zoom will appeal to users who frequently capture distant subjects or want highly detailed crops. The handset also supports up to 12.8x lossless zoom, 75mm portraits, and 12cm macro photography, along with Xiaomi's new Legendary Moment imaging system, which offers on-device and cloud processing with three dedicated camera styles. 

The new Xiaomi flagship packs an 8,500mAh battery with 100W wired, 50W wireless, and 27W wired reverse charging support. This is a notable upgrade over the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max's 7,500mAh battery. On the software front, it runs HyperOS 4 based on Android 17 out of the box. The phone is also equipped with an AI button that can be customised for privacy controls, voice notes, and more.

Xiaomi 18 Pro specifications

Xiaomi 18 Pro is quite similar to the Pro Max but with some key differences. Its display hardware is the same, but you get a smaller 6.4-inch 2436 x 1120 display and a 2.7-inch rear display. The smartphone also gets the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, which is part of the flagship lineup but a tier below the Extreme model. Battery capacity is also smaller on the 18 Pro, as it houses a 7,000mAh unit, but with the same charging support as the Pro Max.

The rest of the specifications are the same, including the camera, software version, and AI key. Both phones also come with IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance.

The Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are both very strong Android flagships with promising cameras, large batteries, and the latest flagship chipsets. Both phones also add to the experience with the rear displays and the privacy display. If you prioritise privacy and unique features, the 18 Pro series offers a distinct proposition, making it a 'buy now' if those are your key drivers. But you should still compare them with other competing flagships like the Vivo X500 series and the OPPO Find X10 phones. 

Xiaomi 18 Pro starts at CNY 5,999 (Rs 85,800 approx.) for the 12GB + 256GB variant, while the 18 Pro Max has a starting price of CNY 6,999 (Rs 1,00,001 approx.). 

• Microsoft has launched the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop with Snapdragon X2 Plus.
• The new Surface devices offer faster graphics, local AI processing and better battery efficiency.
• The Surface Pro starts at $1,149.99, while the Surface Laptop starts at $1,199.

[/highlights]

Microsoft has announced the next Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch, both powered by Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X2 Plus processor. The new models focus on better performance and battery life while keeping the thin and light designs that the Surface lineup is known for.

Let's take a closer look at what has changed with the new Surface devices below.

Surface Pro and Surface Laptop: price and availability

The Surface Pro 12-inch starts at $1,149.99 (approximately Rs 1,10,000), while the Surface Laptop 13-inch starts at $1,199 (approximately Rs 1,15,000). Both devices are available from October 13 in select markets. The company has not provided India-specific pricing or availability in the material shared with us.

Microsoft will also offer an optional 5G configuration of the Surface Pro 12-inch for business customers, giving mobile users another connectivity option without depending on public Wi-Fi.

Surface Pro and Surface Laptop: features, specifications

Surface Pro 12-inch

The Surface Pro 12-inch is the convertible option, with a detachable keyboard and Surface Slim Pen support for users who want to move between tablet and laptop use. Microsoft says the new model keeps its fanless design while adding a 25 percent brighter 500-nit PixelSense touchscreen, which should make the display easier to use in brighter surroundings.

The brand also claims that the Snapdragon X2 Plus brings up to 17 percent faster Microsoft Office performance, 18 percent better battery efficiency and 95 percent faster local AI processing compared with the previous generation. As per the company, the Pro can also gain an extra hour of active web browsing, although actual battery life will vary by usage.

You also get Ink Canvas on the new Surface Pro, which is a pen-first tool that uses AI to help users sketch, annotate, generate images and summarise text directly on the canvas. It will come pre-installed on the new Pro 12-inch and will also reach other supported Windows devices through the Microsoft Store from October 13.

Surface Pro 12-inch: key specifications

• Processor: Snapdragon X2 Plus (6-core), with Qualcomm Hexagon NPU offering up to 80 TOPS
  
• RAM and storage: 16GB or 24GB LPDDR5X RAM, with 256GB or 512GB UFS storage
  
• Display: 12-inch PixelSense LCD, 2196 x 1464 resolution, 3:2 aspect ratio, up to 90Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness
  
• Dimensions and weight: 274 x 190 x 7.8mm, weighing 0.69kg
  
• Battery and charging: Up to 15.5 hours of local video playback or 13 hours of active web use, 60W USB-C fast charging support. 

Surface Laptop 13-inch

The Surface Laptop 13-inch is the more traditional of the two and comes with a full-size backlit keyboard, precision touchpad and a 3:2 PixelSense touchscreen. Microsoft claims up to 22.5 hours of battery life, while the regular Surface also includes a 500-nit display. 

Both machines use Snapdragon X2 Plus as their common hardware platform, allowing Microsoft to focus on efficiency and local AI without adding a fan to these compact designs. They also support Windows and Copilot features, with Microsoft highlighting the ability to run supported AI tasks on the device, in the cloud or through a mix of both.

Microsoft has also announced a new Surface Mouse with haptic feedback, a customisable Copilot button and Bluetooth 6.0. It starts at $79.99 and will be available from October 13 in Black and Platinum colourways.

• Processor: Snapdragon X2 Plus (6-core), with Qualcomm Hexagon NPU offering up to 80 TOPS
  
• RAM and storage: 16GB or 24GB LPDDR5X RAM, with removable 256GB or 512GB UFS storage
  
• Display: 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen, 1920 x 1280 resolution, 3:2 aspect ratio, up to 60Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness
  
• Dimensions and weight: 285.65 x 214.14 x 15.6mm, weighing 1.23kg
  
• Battery and charging: Up to 22.5 hours of local video playback or 18 hours of active web use, 60W USB-C fast charging

Should you buy the new Surface series?

Surface laptops have always occupied a fairly niche part of the PC market. They are suitable for users who value portability above almost everything else, especially with the Surface Pro 12-inch, which packs a full Windows experience into a tablet-sized form factor. The Snapdragon X2 Plus should also help with battery life and everyday AI tasks, making these machines useful for people who spend long hours away from a desk and want easy access to a lightweight Windows machine.

The pricing, however, makes the regular Surface Laptop a tough sell in the current market. The new Surface Pro starts at $1,149.99, compared with $799 for the first-generation model launched in 2025, while the Surface Laptop starts at $1,199, up from $899. That is a substantial increase, and it's due to the sky-high memory and storage costs due to the ongoing shortage. 

The Pro 12-inch has a more unique appeal to it, because few Windows laptops offer this level of portability and flexibility. The regular Surface Laptop faces tougher competition, though, with capable Windows machines using both x86 and ARM processors, alongside Apple's MacBook lineup using its own ARM-based chips.

Snapdragon X2 Plus improves on the previous generation, but Microsoft still has to justify why buyers should pay a premium for this particular form factor and Windows experience. These machines may not be as appealing for users who simply want the most performance or value for their money, especially at these higher starting prices.

• Vivo X500 series is making its global debut in Europe.
• The lineup is set to launch on October 27th.
• The X500 series just made its debut in China. 

[/highlights]

Vivo X500 series was launched in China earlier this week. The flagship lineup features three phones: Vivo X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max. The Pro models are also the first smartphones announced with the new MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset. Vivo has now confirmed the global release of the X500 series with a dedicated microsite on the Vivo Austria website. 

Vivo X500 series global launch

According to the Vivo Austria website, the X500 series EU launch will take place on October 27th. The smartphones are set to go on sale on November 5th. Those interested can register and get a voucher for the X500 series. This will mark the global debut of the Vivo X500 series. It's expected to arrive in more markets, including India. It hasn't been specified, though, whether Vivo is bringing all three phones to Europe. 

There could be one change in the global variants compared to their Chinese counterparts. This is based on the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) listing for the Vivo X500 series' battery capacities. According to this database, the Vivo X500 could pack a 5,300mAh battery, the X500 Pro might get a 6,500 battery, while the Pro Max launches with a 6,800mAh battery. 

In comparison, the Vivo X500 in China has a significantly larger 7,500mAh battery. The X500 Pro won't make a difference, as the Chinese variant has a 6,510mAh battery. The Pro Max, however, has an 8,000mAh battery, the biggest in the lineup. It's a notable upgrade over the X300 series. The reduction in battery size could be due to specific requirements in that particular region. However, it's not official yet, so it's best to wait before jumping to conclusions. 

The Vivo X500 series stands out for its camera setup, offering a 3.5x periscope lens, ideal for capturing distant subjects without losing detail, and overall strong hardware. The lineup also comes with MediaTek's new flagship chipsets and large batteries. If you're waiting to purchase a new Android flagship, the Vivo X500 series makes sense, especially for its cameras. We'd still advise waiting for official specs before making a buying decision. 

• Devialet has launched the Phantom Ultimate Pulse Blue in collaboration with F1 driver Isack Hadjar.
• Key features include a compact form factor, acoustic performance, up to 24-bit audio processing, and wide compatibility.
• The speaker can be placed on a tabletop or a stand, which is sold separately at Rs 37,999.

[/highlights]

Devialet has launched a new variant of the Phantom Ultimate 98dB, called Pulse Blue. Developed in collaboration with F1 driver Isack Hadjar, the portable speaker draws inspiration from his team, Oracle Red Bull Racing, both in its colour and name. The Phantom Ultimate 98dB Pulse Blue joins the Deep Forest, Light Pearl, and Opera De Paris variants, which were launched earlier this year. Key features of the speaker remain unchanged.

Despite its compact form factor, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB delivers 400 Watts of power, which should be more than enough to fill a large room with sound. But loudness isn't the only focus here. The speaker has a frequency response ranging from as low as 18Hz for deep bass to 25kHz for higher frequencies, allowing it to reproduce a broad range of sounds while retaining detail across the spectrum. Furthermore, the speaker features a co-spherical wideband driver design to help create a wider, more immersive soundstage while maintaining clarity. 

The audio experience is backed by several proprietary technologies, such as ADH (Analog Digital Hybrid), which uses analog Class A amplification for linearity with digital Class D for compactness. It is claimed to improve thermal dissipation and high-frequency precision. Then, there are SAM (Speaker Active Matching) - an algorithm to adapt the signal in real-time to the speaker's characteristics, HBI (Heart Bass Implosion) to produce ultra-low frequencies in a small enclosure, and AVL (Adaptive Volume Level) to dynamically adjust volume in real-time based on the content.

The Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB offers a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth v5.3. iPhone users will be able to cast to the speaker via AirPlay, while Android users can use Google Cast. Other streaming features include Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and UPnP. The speaker comes with app support, which lets you tweak its EQ and audio modes.

While the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB Pulse Blue can be comfortably placed atop a table or flat surface, the company has also launched a stand - sold separately. The Pulse Blue is priced in India at Rs 2,40,000, which is more expensive than its other variants. The tree stand costs an additional Rs 37,999.

Devialet's India partner manager, Henry Herve, defends the pricing with the product's uncompromising performance and striking design. Herve also believes that India is an increasingly important market for Devialet "...with a growing appreciation for innovation, design and exceptional sound. The exclusive edition - Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB Pulse Blue - is a celebration of that journey, bringing together uncompromising performance, striking design and the power of sound to create emotion." 

"With Pulse Blue, we invite listeners to experience music not simply as sound, but as an extraordinary expression of entertainment, emotion and excellence," he further added.

If you are looking for a compact portable speaker that delivers a premium listening experience, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB Pulse Blue is worth considering. While several competing speakers offer similar features at a fraction of the price, Devialet's proposition goes beyond the feature list, combining powerful acoustics, sophisticated audio processing, distinctive design, and premium build quality in a compact form factor.

The Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB Pulse Blue will be available for pre-order starting September 23rd through partnered Luxury Personified outlets.

• Xiaomi has teased what seems like a transparent-back version of the Xiaomi 18 series hours before its China launch.
• It could be potentially reviving a design last seen on the Mi 10 Ultra.
• The Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max are launching in China tonight.

[/highlights]

Xiaomi appears to have saved a more interesting design twist for the end of its Xiaomi 18 Pro series launch. Hours before the flagship phones are set to debut in China, the company posted a teaser on Weibo calling it "one more thing", showing what appears to be a transparent back on one of the Pro models.

The phrase has long been associated with Apple, which popularised it as a cue for an unexpected final reveal at the end of its product launches. Xiaomi is seemingly borrowing that for a design making a comeback in its smartphones.

Xiaomi 18 Pro transparent back teased

Xiaomi has experimented with transparent phones before. The Mi 8 and Mi 9 series had transparent editions, followed by the Mi 10 Ultra Transparent Edition in 2020. The company has not used the treatment on a flagship since then, making the Xiaomi 18 teaser interesting.

[caption id="attachment_716304" align="alignnone" width="554"] Mi 10 Ultra[/caption]

Transparent smartphone designs have found a second life through Nothing, whose phones have made exposed-looking internals and transparent rear panels a core part of their identity. The design has subsequently appeared on several more affordable phones, including models from CMF and other brands. In recent years, it has therefore become much easier to find a transparent-looking phone in the mid-range than at the flagship end.

Xiaomi bringing the idea back to its premium lineup could be a way to give the Xiaomi 18 Pro series a visual identity beyond the usual camera and performance upgrades. It also lets the company connect a current flagship to its own history while tapping into a design language that has become more recognisable thanks to Nothing.

It's still unclear whether the teased model is based on the Xiaomi 18 Pro or Pro Max, or whether it will be sold alongside the regular versions or as a limited edition. For anyone considering the series primarily for its design, this is one version worth waiting for before making a decision and seeing whether it'll be available globally.

Xiaomi 18 Pro, Pro Max specifications and features

The Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max will feature a Leica-branded dual 200MP rear camera system. Both get a 200MP main camera with a 1/1.28-inch sensor and a 200MP periscope telephoto using a 1/1.56-inch sensor. Both phones will also come with Xiaomi's Super Pixel Display 2.0, a similar hardware-based privacy display that we saw on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.

The Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max will pack 7,000mAh and 8,500mAh batteries, respectively, with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. They will use different versions of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, with the higher-tier version reserved for the Pro Max.

Xiaomi is launching the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max in China today and global availability, including India, remains unannounced. That makes it too early to judge the transparent version on value, especially if Xiaomi positions it as a limited premium edition. For Indian buyers, the bigger question is whether Xiaomi brings the Pro models here at all, since the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max skipped India.

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro+: price in India

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max starts at Rs 49,999 for the base variant with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. The Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ is not only cheaper at Rs 47,999, but it also offers more RAM and storage (12GB + 256GB). For the same memory configuration, the Note 17 Pro Max is available at Rs 55,999. 

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro+: design, display

The two phones differ quite a lot when it comes to design, making it easy to distinguish between them. The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max has a flat design with a striking back panel that shows shifting clouds on the Secret Sunrise variant. The handset comes in Matcha Green and Stealth Black colours as well. The Note 17 Pro Max is quite durable against dust and water with IP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K ratings.

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro+, on the other hand, has a slim design with curved edges and a curved display. It comes in three Pantone colours with different finishes, such as wood and fabric-like. For durability, the Edge 70 Pro+ comes with IP68 and IP69 ratings, and the MIL-STD-810H military standard. 

When it comes to design, the decision is more on the buyer and what finish or style they prefer. It's still worth mentioning that a curved design offers an immersive viewing experience. 

Display specs are also different for both phones. With the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max, you get a large 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 3,500 nits peak brightness. The Edge 70 Pro+ offers a similarly priced 6.8-inch 1.5K ‘Extreme AMOLED display' with a 144Hz refresh rate, 5,200 nits peak brightness, and Gorilla Glass 7i protection. So you're getting a higher refresh rate and brightness with the Motorola phone, which would be a slightly better visual experience overall. 

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro+: chipset, battery

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 chipset, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. While the chipset should be capable of handling everyday tasks with ease, it feels underwhelming for this price segment and represents a downgrade from its predecessor, the Redmi Note 15 Pro+, which is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4. Users who regularly perform intensive tasks or demanding workloads may find the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 limiting.

In comparison, the Edge 70 Pro+ is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Extreme, alongside LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. The more powerful chipset offers better performance and is better suited to gaming, multitasking, and other power-intensive workloads.

Battery endurance is where the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max overpowers with its massive 10,000mAh battery. This comes with 100W wired and 27W reverse charging support. With this battery capacity, there's no anxiety over your phone dying or needing a quick charge. Battery is one area companies have been focusing on, in the mid-range segment. In comparison, the Edge 70 Pro+ carries a modest 6,500mAh battery with 90W wired and 15W wireless charging. While not as large as the Note 17 Pro Max, it should still be sufficient for an entire day's usage. 

If battery endurance is key, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is a no-brainer. But if that isn't a requirement, then the Edge 70 Pro+ should do just fine. 

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro+: cameras

For photography, you get a 50MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide lens on the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max. Selfies are handled by a 32MP front camera. The camera setup is decent for casual photography, but it might seem less versatile compared to the Edge 70 Pro+. This phone has a triple-camera setup, featuring a 50MP primary camera, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP periscope lens with 3.5x optical zoom. It also has a 50MP front camera for selfies. 

Just based on specs, we can say that the Edge 70 Pro+ has an advantage with superior sensors and a telephoto lens. If photography is your thing, the Edge 70 Pro+ is the smarter choice here. 

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro+: software

On the software front, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max runs HyperOS 3 with Android 16 out of the box. HyperOS 3 offers an interactive and customisable UI with over 100 refined animations, ‘HyperIsland', a notification pill that shows updates for charging, timers, reminders, and more features. HyperOS 3 also offers AI Cinematic Lock Screen and Dynamic Wallpapers, and a redesigned home screen with new icons. The smartphone will also get 4 OS upgrades and six years of security updates. 

In comparison, Motorola phones offer a clean and near-stock Android experience with a bunch of AI features tailored for personal and professional use. The Edge 70 Pro+ also runs Android 16 out of the box with 3 OS upgrades and 5 years of security patches promised. 

If you want more control over your UI and need longer software support, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is the better choice here. But if a clean and clutter-free UI is what you prefer, the Edge 70 Pro+ might make more sense. 

Summing up

If we consider only the specifications, the Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ has the upper hand in terms of performance and cameras. It's also more affordable while offering more RAM and storage for less. The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max gets an advantage in battery reliability and software support. If you're currently using a phone from 2024 or earlier, the performance and camera upgrades in the Edge 70 Pro+ would be significant, while the Note 17 Pro Max offers a substantial leap in battery life and software longevity.